Meaning
Used to ask someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Cultural Background
Americans generally value directness. Asking someone to speak slower is seen as helpful because it avoids future misunderstandings. In the UK, politeness is often signaled by 'softening' phrases. Adding 'I'm sorry' or 'a bit' makes the request sound more British. Japanese learners may hesitate to use this phrase to avoid 'bothering' the speaker. However, in English culture, it is perfectly acceptable. In international business, speaking slowly is a sign of respect for non-native speakers. Asking for it is a standard professional request.
Use your hands
If you are nervous, use a 'slowing down' hand gesture while you say the phrase. It helps the speaker understand immediately.
Don't just nod
Many learners nod 'yes' even when they don't understand. It's much better to stop the speaker and ask them to speak slower.
Meaning
Used to ask someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Use your hands
If you are nervous, use a 'slowing down' hand gesture while you say the phrase. It helps the speaker understand immediately.
Don't just nod
Many learners nod 'yes' even when they don't understand. It's much better to stop the speaker and ask them to speak slower.
The 'Could' trick
Switch 'Can' to 'Could' to instantly sound more polite and advanced.
Smile!
A friendly smile while asking someone to slow down removes any potential rudeness.
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural way to ask someone to slow down.
I'm sorry, I don't understand. ________?
'Can you speak slower?' is the most natural and common way to ask.
Complete the polite request.
Could you ________ speak a bit slower, please?
'Could you possibly' is a very polite way to frame a request.
What should the traveler say?
Local: 'Take the first left, then the second right, then go past the church.' Traveler: 'Wait, ________'
The traveler needs the local to reduce their speed to understand the directions.
Match the phrase to the formality level.
1. Slow down! 2. Can you speak slower? 3. Would you mind speaking more slowly?
'Slow down' is a command (informal), 'Can you' is neutral, and 'Would you mind' is formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Can you speak slower?'
Travel
- • Airport
- • Train station
- • Directions
Daily Life
- • Shopping
- • Ordering coffee
- • Phone calls
Learning
- • Classroom
- • Tutor
- • Language exchange
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI'm sorry, I don't understand. ________?
'Can you speak slower?' is the most natural and common way to ask.
Could you ________ speak a bit slower, please?
'Could you possibly' is a very polite way to frame a request.
Local: 'Take the first left, then the second right, then go past the church.' Traveler: 'Wait, ________'
The traveler needs the local to reduce their speed to understand the directions.
1. Slow down! 2. Can you speak slower? 3. Would you mind speaking more slowly?
'Slow down' is a command (informal), 'Can you' is neutral, and 'Would you mind' is formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in spoken English, 'slower' is a very common flat adverb. In formal writing, use 'more slowly'.
No, it's not rude at all! Most people are happy to help you understand.
Yes, adding 'please' at the end makes the request much more polite.
You can say, 'I'm sorry, still too fast. One more time, very slowly?'
You can, but it's very informal and can sound like a command. Use it with friends.
'Slower' is informal/neutral; 'more slowly' is formal.
Say, 'Sorry, the line is bad. Can you speak slower?'
No, that is a common mistake. Use 'slower' or 'more slowly'.
Yes, but use 'Could you speak a bit more slowly, please?' to sound professional.
Then speed isn't the problem. Say, 'What does that word mean?'
Related Phrases
Could you repeat that?
similarAsking to hear something again.
Slow down
similarA command to reduce speed.
What was that?
informalAsking for clarification.
I didn't catch that
idiomI didn't understand/hear.
Pardon?
formalExcuse me?
