Meaning
A polite request for someone to speak at a slower pace.
Cultural Background
In France, speaking quickly is often seen as a sign of intelligence and energy. Asking someone to slow down is not offensive, but it must be done with a smile and 's'il vous plaît'. Quebecois French has distinct vowel sounds and a different rhythm. Even if you know French, you might need this phrase in Montreal because of the unique accent. In Francophone Africa, French is often spoken with a very clear, rhythmic cadence, but local vocabulary might be mixed in. Using this phrase helps clarify regional terms.
Use a hand gesture
Pair the phrase with a 'calm down' hand gesture (palms facing down, moving slightly) to reinforce your request visually.
Don't forget the 'S'il vous plaît'
Without it, 'Parlez plus lentement' is a command and can sound rude to a stranger.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to speak at a slower pace.
Use a hand gesture
Pair the phrase with a 'calm down' hand gesture (palms facing down, moving slightly) to reinforce your request visually.
Don't forget the 'S'il vous plaît'
Without it, 'Parlez plus lentement' is a command and can sound rude to a stranger.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase with the correct adverb.
Parlez plus ________, s'il vous plaît.
'Lentement' is the adverb required to describe the speed of speaking.
Which form is most appropriate for a stranger?
Asking a shopkeeper to slow down:
The 'vous' form and 's'il vous plaît' are necessary for politeness with strangers.
Match the French to the English.
Match the following:
Each word corresponds to its direct English translation in this context.
What should the learner say?
Native: [Speaks very fast French] ... Learner: Excusez-moi, ________.
This is the logical response when you cannot understand the speed of the speaker.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Speed vs. Volume
Speed (Vitesse)
- • Lentement (Slowly)
- • Vite (Fast)
Volume/Manner
- • Doucement (Gently/Quietly)
- • Fort (Loudly)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesParlez plus ________, s'il vous plaît.
'Lentement' is the adverb required to describe the speed of speaking.
Asking a shopkeeper to slow down:
The 'vous' form and 's'il vous plaît' are necessary for politeness with strangers.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each word corresponds to its direct English translation in this context.
Native: [Speaks very fast French] ... Learner: Excusez-moi, ________.
This is the logical response when you cannot understand the speed of the speaker.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, but only in very informal settings or if you are clearly struggling. Adding 's'il vous plaît' is always safer.
'Lentement' is strictly for speed. 'Doucement' means gently or quietly.
Use 'Parlez' for anyone you don't know well. Use 'Parle' for friends or children.
Generally, no. Most French people appreciate the effort to speak their language and will happily slow down.
You can say 'Parlez très lentement, s'il vous plaît.'
You can try: 'Pouvez-vous répéter plus lentement ?' (Can you repeat more slowly?).
Related Phrases
Répétez, s'il vous plaît.
similarRepeat, please.
Je ne comprends pas.
builds onI don't understand.
Plus vite !
contrastFaster!
