Meaning
A polite request for someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Cultural Background
In North India, using 'कृपया' is highly appreciated in formal settings. It shows you have learned the 'tehzeeb' (etiquette) of the region. In professional environments, clarity is valued. Using this phrase is seen as a proactive step to ensure work accuracy. Indians are generally very helpful to learners. Asking them to slow down is often met with a friendly, encouraging response.
Smile!
Always smile when asking someone to slow down. It softens the request significantly.
Avoid 'Bolo'
Never use 'Bolo' with strangers. It can sound demanding.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Smile!
Always smile when asking someone to slow down. It softens the request significantly.
Avoid 'Bolo'
Never use 'Bolo' with strangers. It can sound demanding.
Add 'Please'
Using 'कृपया' is the key to being polite in Hindi.
Test Yourself
Which is the most polite way to ask a stranger to slow down?
Choose the correct phrase:
This uses the polite marker 'कृपया' and the respectful verb form 'बोलें'.
Fill in the blank with the correct verb form.
आप बहुत तेज़ बोल रहे हैं, कृपया थोड़ा ______।
Since the sentence uses 'आप' (formal), the verb must be 'बोलें'.
Complete the dialogue.
Stranger: 'नमस्ते, क्या आप हिंदी जानते हैं?' You: 'थोड़ी बहुत, पर ______।'
This is the most natural way to ask for help understanding.
Match the situation to the correct register.
Which situation requires 'कृपया धीरे बोलें'?
Formal register is required for authority figures.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChoose the correct phrase:
This uses the polite marker 'कृपया' and the respectful verb form 'बोलें'.
आप बहुत तेज़ बोल रहे हैं, कृपया थोड़ा ______।
Since the sentence uses 'आप' (formal), the verb must be 'बोलें'.
Stranger: 'नमस्ते, क्या आप हिंदी जानते हैं?' You: 'थोड़ी बहुत, पर ______।'
This is the most natural way to ask for help understanding.
Which situation requires 'कृपया धीरे बोलें'?
Formal register is required for authority figures.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, it is perfectly appropriate for a teacher.
Not at all, it shows you are trying to learn.
Try saying 'क्या आप फिर से बोल सकते हैं?' (Can you say it again?).
No, this is specifically for spoken language.
Yes, it is perfectly fine for friends.
It makes it much more polite, so it is highly recommended.
Related Phrases
फिर से बोलें
similarSay it again
क्या आप दोहरा सकते हैं?
builds onCan you repeat?
समझ नहीं आया
similarI didn't understand
