Signification
Asking someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Contexte culturel
Ukrainians appreciate it when you use the polite 'Ви' form. It shows you respect their culture and social boundaries. In Lviv, people might speak with a specific 'Lviv accent' which can be very fast. Don't be shy to ask them to slow down; they are usually very helpful. In the capital, life is fast and so is the speech. Using 'будь ласка' is key to getting a friendly response in a busy environment. Ukrainian speakers abroad often mix in local words. Asking them to slow down helps you distinguish the pure Ukrainian from the 'Surzhyk' or loanwords.
Use a Smile
A friendly smile while saying this phrase makes it a request for help rather than a criticism.
Don't forget 'Будь ласка'
Always add 'please' to keep the tone polite and respectful.
Signification
Asking someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Use a Smile
A friendly smile while saying this phrase makes it a request for help rather than a criticism.
Don't forget 'Будь ласка'
Always add 'please' to keep the tone polite and respectful.
Hand Gestures
Using a 'slow down' hand gesture (palms down, moving slightly) helps convey the meaning instantly.
Teste-toi
Complete the phrase with the correct form of the adverb.
Будь ласка, говоріть ________ (повільно).
We need the comparative adverb 'повільніше' to say 'more slowly'.
Which phrase is the most polite for a stranger?
How do you ask a stranger to slow down?
The 'ви' form (говоріть) plus 'будь ласка' is the standard polite way.
Match the Ukrainian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are essential building blocks for the conversation.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Продавець: 'Це коштує двісті п'ятдесят вісім гривень.' Покупець: 'Вибачте, ________. Скільки?'
The buyer didn't catch the price because it was too fast.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesБудь ласка, говоріть ________ (повільно).
We need the comparative adverb 'повільніше' to say 'more slowly'.
How do you ask a stranger to slow down?
The 'ви' form (говоріть) plus 'будь ласка' is the standard polite way.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are essential building blocks for the conversation.
Продавець: 'Це коштує двісті п'ятдесят вісім гривень.' Покупець: 'Вибачте, ________. Скільки?'
The buyer didn't catch the price because it was too fast.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is not rude if said with a polite tone and 'будь ласка'. It shows you are trying to understand.
In an emergency or very quick interaction, yes, but it sounds a bit like a command. Adding 'будь ласка' is better.
'Повільно' is 'slowly'. 'Повільніше' is 'more slowly'. You use the latter because you want them to change their current speed.
Use the informal form: 'Говори повільніше'.
You can say 'Ще повільніше, будь ласка' (Even more slowly, please).
Yes, it is standard Ukrainian and will be understood everywhere.
'Говоріть' is the imperative (command) form, while 'говорити' is the infinitive (to speak).
Yes, 'Притормози' (Slow down/Brake), but it's very informal and can be rude.
Yes, it's very professional to ensure you understand all details. Use the formal version.
Forgetting the soft sign at the end of 'Говоріть' or using the adjective 'повільний'.
Expressions liées
Повторіть, будь ласка
similarRepeat, please
Я не розумію
builds onI don't understand
Говоріть простіше
similarSpeak more simply
Що ви сказали?
similarWhat did you say?
