Signification
A request for someone to speak at a slower pace.
Contexte culturel
Brazilians often use 'diminutives' to sound even friendlier. You might hear 'Fale mais devagarinho' (Speak a little bit more slowly). In Portugal, people may drop vowels (elision), making speech sound faster than it is. Don't be afraid to use this phrase often there. In Cape Verdean Portuguese, the rhythm is more syllable-timed, but this standard phrase is still the go-to for learners.
Use Hand Gestures
Pair the phrase with a 'calm down' hand gesture (palms down) to make your meaning instantly clear.
Don't forget 'Por Favor'
Without it, you sound like a frustrated boss rather than a polite learner.
Signification
A request for someone to speak at a slower pace.
Use Hand Gestures
Pair the phrase with a 'calm down' hand gesture (palms down) to make your meaning instantly clear.
Don't forget 'Por Favor'
Without it, you sound like a frustrated boss rather than a polite learner.
Smile!
A smile while saying this phrase ensures the speaker knows you are interested, not annoyed.
Teste-toi
Complete the phrase with the correct imperative form of 'falar'.
________ mais devagar, por favor.
'Fale' is the correct imperative form for 'você' (polite/neutral).
Match the Portuguese words to their English meanings.
Words: 1. Fale, 2. Mais, 3. Devagar, 4. Por favor
Direct translation of the phrase components.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a stranger to slow down?
Choose one:
Adding 'Você pode' and 'por favor' makes it a polite request rather than a command.
Fill in the missing response.
Atendente: [Fala muito rápido sobre o preço]. Você: Desculpe, não entendi. ________?
This is the logical response when you don't understand due to speed.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices________ mais devagar, por favor.
'Fale' is the correct imperative form for 'você' (polite/neutral).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Direct translation of the phrase components.
Choose one:
Adding 'Você pode' and 'por favor' makes it a polite request rather than a command.
Atendente: [Fala muito rápido sobre o preço]. Você: Desculpe, não entendi. ________?
This is the logical response when you don't understand due to speed.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, in informal situations, but adding the verb 'Fale' makes it a complete, clearer thought.
No. 'Devagar' is an adverb (slowly), while 'lento' is an adjective (slow). Use 'devagar' for actions like speaking.
Try saying 'Pode repetir bem devagarinho?' (Can you repeat very slowly?). The diminutive adds emphasis and friendliness.
It is neutral. It is polite enough for a boss but simple enough for a friend.
Expressions liées
Pode repetir?
similarCan you repeat?
Como se diz...?
builds onHow do you say...?
Não entendi.
similarI didn't understand.
Mais alto, por favor.
contrastLouder, please.
