المعنى
Used to ask someone to speak or do something at a slower pace.
خلفية ثقافية
Spaniards are known for speaking very rapidly and often overlapping in conversation. Using 'más despacio' is a perfectly acceptable way to claim your space in the conversation. Mexican Spanish often uses 'un poquito' (a little bit) to soften requests. You might hear 'Un poquito más despacio, por favor' to sound extra polite. In Argentina, the 'voseo' (using 'vos' instead of 'tú') might change the verb if you include it: 'Hablá más despacio' (with an accent on the last 'a'). Speakers here often drop the 's' sounds. 'Más despacio' might sound like 'Má' depacio'. Knowing this helps you recognize the phrase even when it's spoken fast!
The Smile Technique
Always pair this phrase with a friendly smile. It signals that the problem is your learning level, not the speaker's fault, making them happy to help.
Don't just say '¿Qué?'
Saying '¿Qué?' (What?) repeatedly can sound aggressive. 'Más despacio, por favor' is much more constructive and polite.
المعنى
Used to ask someone to speak or do something at a slower pace.
The Smile Technique
Always pair this phrase with a friendly smile. It signals that the problem is your learning level, not the speaker's fault, making them happy to help.
Don't just say '¿Qué?'
Saying '¿Qué?' (What?) repeatedly can sound aggressive. 'Más despacio, por favor' is much more constructive and polite.
Hand Gestures
In many Spanish-speaking countries, you can accompany this phrase by moving your hand palm-down in a slow 'patting' motion to visually signal 'slow down'.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the phrase to ask someone to slow down politely.
Más ________, por favor.
'Despacio' is the word for slowly in this context.
Which is the most polite way to ask a stranger to speak slower?
Select the best option:
This uses the formal 'usted' form and 'por favor', making it very polite.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a taxi and the driver is speeding.
You use this phrase to request a reduction in speed.
Complete the dialogue.
A: (Habla muy rápido) 'Hola-cómo-estás-bienvenido-a-España'. B: 'Lo siento, no entiendo. ________.'
When you don't understand due to speed, you ask them to slow down.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Despacio vs. Lento
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينMás ________, por favor.
'Despacio' is the word for slowly in this context.
Select the best option:
This uses the formal 'usted' form and 'por favor', making it very polite.
You are in a taxi and the driver is speeding.
You use this phrase to request a reduction in speed.
A: (Habla muy rápido) 'Hola-cómo-estás-bienvenido-a-España'. B: 'Lo siento, no entiendo. ________.'
When you don't understand due to speed, you ask them to slow down.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
5 أسئلةNot at all! It shows you are interested in what they are saying. Native speakers usually appreciate the effort you are making to learn.
It's a bit blunt. Adding 'Más' and 'Por favor' makes it a polite request rather than a command.
'Despacio' is an adverb (how you do something), while 'lento' is an adjective (describing a person or thing). Use 'despacio' for actions like speaking or driving.
You can say 'Habla más despacio' or 'Habla más lento'.
Usually no. For 'quietly', use 'en voz baja'. However, in some Latin American countries, 'despacio' can occasionally imply 'softly'.
عبارات ذات صلة
Paso a paso
similarStep by step
Repita, por favor
builds onRepeat, please
Más lento
synonymSlower
Baje el ritmo
specialized formLower the rhythm/pace
