Meaning
A polite request to speak at a slower pace.
Cultural Background
In France, it is common for people to speak very quickly in urban areas like Paris. Asking someone to slow down is not considered rude as long as you use 'S'il vous plaît'. Quebecois French has a distinct rhythm and many contractions. You might find yourself using this phrase even more often there to catch the specific vowel sounds. Swiss French is often stereotyped as being slower than Parisian French, but in professional settings in Geneva, the speed can still be challenging for learners. In Francophone Africa, French is often spoken with a melodic cadence. If you are used to European French, you might need to ask speakers to slow down to adjust to the new rhythm.
The Hand Gesture
Pair the phrase with a gentle 'pushing down' motion with your hand to visually signal 'slow down'.
The Silent S
Remember not to pronounce the 's' in 'plus' here. Saying 'pluss' can sometimes change the meaning or sound unnatural.
Meaning
A polite request to speak at a slower pace.
The Hand Gesture
Pair the phrase with a gentle 'pushing down' motion with your hand to visually signal 'slow down'.
The Silent S
Remember not to pronounce the 's' in 'plus' here. Saying 'pluss' can sometimes change the meaning or sound unnatural.
The 'Vous' Rule
Always default to 'Parlez' (vous) with anyone you don't know well. It's the safest way to be polite.
Smile!
A smile while saying 'Parlez plus lentement' makes the request feel like a shared learning moment rather than a complaint.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'parler' (vous form).
S'il vous plaît, ________ plus lentement.
The 'vous' form is used for polite requests to strangers.
Which adverb correctly completes the request to slow down?
Vous parlez trop vite. Parlez plus ________.
Adverbs in French are used to describe verbs. 'Lentement' is the adverb form of 'lent'.
Match the French phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Understanding the nuances of formality and synonyms is key.
Choose the best response for the learner.
Boulanger: 'V'làvotrebaguetteçaf'raun'eurovingt.' Learner: 'Pardon ? ________'
When you don't understand due to speed, asking to slow down is the logical response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Lentement vs Doucement
Practice Bank
4 exercisesS'il vous plaît, ________ plus lentement.
The 'vous' form is used for polite requests to strangers.
Vous parlez trop vite. Parlez plus ________.
Adverbs in French are used to describe verbs. 'Lentement' is the adverb form of 'lent'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the nuances of formality and synonyms is key.
Boulanger: 'V'làvotrebaguetteçaf'raun'eurovingt.' Learner: 'Pardon ? ________'
When you don't understand due to speed, asking to slow down is the logical response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's quite brief. Adding 's'il vous plaît' is highly recommended to avoid sounding demanding.
Not exactly. 'Lentement' is about speed. 'Doucement' is about being gentle or quiet, though it's sometimes used for speed in casual French.
'Parlez' is the formal/plural form. Use it with strangers. 'Parle' is for friends and family.
Generally, no. They usually appreciate that you are trying to understand and will happily slow down.
You can say 'Parlez beaucoup plus lentement'.
You might hear 'Moins vite !' or 'Doucement !' shouted in casual settings.
Try: 'Désolé, je ne comprends toujours pas. Pouvez-vous répéter très lentement ?'
Yes, but it's a soft 't'. The focus is on the nasal 'en' sounds.
No, this is for spoken communication. In an email, you might say 'Pourriez-vous expliquer plus en détail ?'
Both are fine. 'Plus lentement' is slightly more formal and precise.
Related Phrases
Moins vite
synonymLess fast
Répétez, s'il vous plaît
similarRepeat, please
Plus doucement
similarMore gently/slowly
Ralentissez
specialized formSlow down
Je ne comprends pas
builds onI don't understand
