parla lentamente
To say "speak slowly" in Italian, use parla lentamente.
parla lentamente is used as a request or a command for someone to reduce the speed of their speech.
What does it mean word for word?
The adverb lentamente (slowly) is formed by adding the suffix -mente to the adjective lento (slow), which functions similarly to the English suffix "-ly".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing more than one person, use the plural form parlate lentamente.
Did you know?
- If you feel the speaker is too fast, you can use the expression non correre, which literally means 'do not run'.
- The suffix -mente comes from the Latin word mente, meaning 'mind', suggesting that an action is performed with a certain mindset.
- When Italians want someone to slow down their speech, they often accompany the request with a gesture of palms facing down and moving slightly up and down.
Examples in context
- Parla lentamente, per favore.Speak slowly, please.This sentence is useful for adding politeness to your request with parla lentamente.Tatoeba #4483192 by Guybrush88, translation #514834 by blay_paul
- Parla lentamente e chiaramente.Speak slowly and clearly.This sentence is useful for requesting both speed and clarity using parla lentamente.Tatoeba #376566 by Pharamp, translation #30129 by CK
- Parla lentamente.Speak slowly!This sentence is useful for giving a direct command using parla lentamente.Tatoeba #2427279 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2425844 by bionicboy
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo is learning Italian and Chiara is speaking too fast.
- MatteoNon capisco, parla lentamente.I don't understand, speak slowly.
- ChiaraScusa, vado troppo veloce?Sorry, am I going too fast?
- MatteoSì, parla lentamente per favore.Yes, speak slowly please.
- ChiaraVa bene, Matteo, riprovo ora.All right, Matteo, I'll try again now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lentamente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
