A2 Expression Neutral 2 min read

धीरे-धीरे समझाओ

dheere dheere samjhao

Explain slowly

Literally: Slowly-slowly explain

In 15 Seconds

  • A friendly way to ask someone to slow down their explanation.
  • Uses word repetition (dheere-dheere) to emphasize the need for a steady pace.
  • Works in markets, classrooms, and casual chats with friends.

Meaning

This is your go-to phrase when someone is talking too fast or explaining something complex. It's a polite way to ask them to slow down and break it down for you.

Key Examples

3 of 7
1

At a spice market

Bhaiya, thoda dheere-dheere samjhao.

Brother, explain it a bit slowly.

2

In a business meeting

Kripya, aap mujhe dheere-dheere samjhaiye.

Please, explain it to me slowly.

3

Texting a friend about drama

Kya hua? Dheere-dheere samjhao!

What happened? Explain it slowly!

🌍

Cultural Background

Politeness is highly valued. Using 'aap' with this phrase is standard.

💡

Use 'कृपया'

Always add 'कृपया' to make it sound like a request, not a command.

In 15 Seconds

  • A friendly way to ask someone to slow down their explanation.
  • Uses word repetition (dheere-dheere) to emphasize the need for a steady pace.
  • Works in markets, classrooms, and casual chats with friends.

What It Means

Dheere-dheere samjhao is a simple, direct request for clarity. The word dheere means slow. Repeating it as dheere-dheere adds emphasis. It implies a steady, manageable pace. It’s like asking someone to walk you through a process step-by-step. You aren't just asking for speed reduction. You are asking for better comprehension.

How To Use It

You use this phrase when you feel overwhelmed. In Hindi, the verb samjhao is the imperative form. It is the 'doing' part of the sentence. You place the adverb dheere-dheere right before it. If you want to be extra polite, add zara at the beginning. It sounds like: Zara dheere-dheere samjhao. This softens the command into a request. It’s perfect for when your brain feels like a browser with too many tabs open.

When To Use It

Use it when a shopkeeper explains a price breakdown too fast. Use it when a friend is giving you complicated directions to a party. It’s great in a classroom if the teacher is rushing. You can even use it while texting. If a friend sends a confusing voice note, just reply with this phrase. It’s a universal 'pause' button for conversation.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this with your boss unless you add a polite suffix. Without ji or kripya, it might sound too blunt. Don't use it during a life-or-death emergency. If a building is on fire, don't ask for slow explanations! Also, avoid it if someone is already speaking very slowly. You might come across as sarcastic or rude then.

Cultural Background

Indian culture values patience, but city life is fast-paced. People often talk rapidly, especially in North India. There is a cultural habit of 'Hinglish' mixing too. This phrase acts as a bridge for language learners. It shows you are engaged but need a moment. It reflects the 'Aaram se' (take it easy) philosophy of Indian life. It’s about building a real connection through understanding.

Common Variations

If you want to be very formal, say Dheere-dheere samjhaiye. The iye ending is the gold standard for respect. For close friends, you might just say Dheere bol na (Speak slowly, man). If you are talking to a child, you can say Beta, dheere samjhao. You can also swap samjhao with batao (tell). Dheere-dheere batao works just as well for stories or news.

Usage Notes

The phrase is neutral but leans toward informal. Always use 'samjhaiye' instead of 'samjhao' if you are speaking to someone older or in a position of authority to avoid appearing impolite.

💡

Use 'कृपया'

Always add 'कृपया' to make it sound like a request, not a command.

Examples

7
#1 At a spice market

Bhaiya, thoda dheere-dheere samjhao.

Brother, explain it a bit slowly.

Adding 'thoda' (a bit) makes it sound more natural and less demanding.

#2 In a business meeting

Kripya, aap mujhe dheere-dheere samjhaiye.

Please, explain it to me slowly.

The 'iye' ending on the verb makes this professional and respectful.

#3 Texting a friend about drama

Kya hua? Dheere-dheere samjhao!

What happened? Explain it slowly!

Used when a friend is typing too fast or skipping details.

#4 A confusing technical manual

Ye manual bahut mushkil hai, mujhe dheere-dheere samjhao.

This manual is very difficult, explain it to me slowly.

Expressing frustration with a complex task.

#5 Grandmother telling a fast story

Dadi, please dheere-dheere samjhao.

Grandma, please explain it slowly.

Mixing 'please' with Hindi is very common in modern households.

#6 Someone speaking in a thick accent

Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha, dheere-dheere samjhao.

I am not understanding, explain slowly.

A direct way to admit you are struggling with the pace.

#7 Trying to learn a dance step

Ye step bahut fast hai, dheere-dheere samjhao!

This step is too fast, explain it slowly!

Focusing on physical instructions rather than just words.

Test Yourself

Which is the most polite way to ask?

How to ask a teacher to slow down?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: धीरे-धीरे समझाइए

Adding 'कृपया' and using 'समझाइए' is the most respectful.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Scale of 'Explain Slowly'

Informal

Used with friends or younger siblings.

Dheere samjha na!

Neutral

Standard everyday use with peers or shopkeepers.

Dheere-dheere samjhao.

Formal

Used with bosses, elders, or strangers.

Dheere-dheere samjhaiye.

Where to use Dheere-Dheere Samjhao

Explain Slowly
🛺

Auto Rickshaw Directions

When the driver is confused.

🍲

Learning a Recipe

When Mom is cooking too fast.

📞

Customer Support

When the agent speaks rapidly.

🎓

Language Class

When the teacher uses big words.

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Which is the most polite way to ask? Choose A2

How to ask a teacher to slow down?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: धीरे-धीरे समझाइए

Adding 'कृपया' and using 'समझाइए' is the most respectful.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

Yes, but use 'समझाइए' instead of 'समझाओ'.

Related Phrases

🔗

फिर से बताइए

similar

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