Signification
Asking someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Contexte culturel
Vietnamese people are generally very patient with learners. Asking them to slow down is seen as a sign of your dedication to learning correctly rather than an annoyance. Hanoians take pride in their 'standard' and fast speech. They may respond to 'nói chậm lại' by enunciating more clearly rather than just slowing down. Saigonese speech is often more 'slurred' (dropping consonants). Asking to slow down might result in them using simpler words. In formal settings, it's better to use 'phiền' (to bother) to show you recognize you are interrupting their flow.
The 'Nhé' Trick
Always add 'nhé' at the end to make it a friendly suggestion rather than a command.
Pronoun Power
Never forget the pronoun (Anh/Chị/Bạn). Saying just 'Nói chậm lại' to a stranger is considered quite blunt.
Signification
Asking someone to reduce their speaking speed.
The 'Nhé' Trick
Always add 'nhé' at the end to make it a friendly suggestion rather than a command.
Pronoun Power
Never forget the pronoun (Anh/Chị/Bạn). Saying just 'Nói chậm lại' to a stranger is considered quite blunt.
Teste-toi
Which phrase is the most polite way to ask an older man to slow down?
Asking an 'Ông' (Grandfather) to slow down:
Option B uses the correct pronoun 'Ông', the polite request 'được không', and the respect particle 'ạ'.
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase: 'Speak a bit slower.'
Bạn nói chậm lại một _______.
'Một chút' means 'a little bit', which softens the request.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are in a loud club and can't hear your friend.
In a loud club, you need them to speak louder ('to lên'), not necessarily slower.
Complete the dialogue.
A: [Speaks very fast Vietnamese] B: Xin lỗi, tôi không hiểu. Bạn ___________ được không?
'Nói' is the verb for speaking.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAsking an 'Ông' (Grandfather) to slow down:
Option B uses the correct pronoun 'Ông', the polite request 'được không', and the respect particle 'ạ'.
Bạn nói chậm lại một _______.
'Một chút' means 'a little bit', which softens the request.
Situation: You are in a loud club and can't hear your friend.
In a loud club, you need them to speak louder ('to lên'), not necessarily slower.
A: [Speaks very fast Vietnamese] B: Xin lỗi, tôi không hiểu. Bạn ___________ được không?
'Nói' is the verb for speaking.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, as long as you use a polite pronoun and a friendly tone. It's a very common request for learners.
Yes, but 'Nói chậm lại' sounds more natural when asking someone to change their current speed.
'Chậm' is strictly about speed. 'Từ từ' can mean slowly, gradually, or 'take it easy'.
Use: 'Xin lỗi, phiền anh/chị có thể nói chậm lại một chút được không ạ?'
Expressions liées
Nói to lên
similarSpeak louder
Nhắc lại
similarRepeat
Nói từ từ
synonymSpeak gradually/slowly
Nói nhanh lên
contrastSpeak faster
