Meaning
Asking someone to speak more slowly.
Cultural Background
Hungarians are direct. Asking someone to slow down isn't seen as rude; it's seen as a sign that you are genuinely trying to listen. In the capital, life moves fast. People might seem impatient, but using 'kérlek' or 'legyen szíves' softens the request significantly. In villages, people might use more regional dialects. They will appreciate you asking them to slow down so they can switch to a more standard 'Budapest' Hungarian for you. In Hungarian universities, students often use 'kérlek' with each other but strictly 'kérem' or 'legyen szíves' with professors.
The 'Hand Signal'
Pair this phrase with a 'pushing down' hand gesture to make your meaning instantly clear even in noisy places.
Don't Overuse
If you ask someone to slow down five times and still don't get it, try asking them to write it down instead ('Írd le, kérlek').
Meaning
Asking someone to speak more slowly.
The 'Hand Signal'
Pair this phrase with a 'pushing down' hand gesture to make your meaning instantly clear even in noisy places.
Don't Overuse
If you ask someone to slow down five times and still don't get it, try asking them to write it down instead ('Írd le, kérlek').
The 'Kérlek' Smile
Hungarians respond well to effort. A polite 'Lassabban, kérlek' with a smile usually results in a very helpful, slower explanation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'slowly' to ask someone to slow down.
Nem értem. Beszélj ________, kérlek!
You need the comparative adverb 'lassabban' (more slowly) to ask someone to change their speed.
Which phrase is the most appropriate for a formal situation (e.g., with a doctor)?
Asking a doctor to slow down:
'Kérem' is the formal version of 'kérlek'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: [Speaks very fast Hungarian] ... B: Bocsánat, ________, kérlek!
If someone speaks too fast, you ask them to speak 'lassabban'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are with a friend who is walking too fast.
This phrase works for physical speed as well as speech speed.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNem értem. Beszélj ________, kérlek!
You need the comparative adverb 'lassabban' (more slowly) to ask someone to change their speed.
Asking a doctor to slow down:
'Kérem' is the formal version of 'kérlek'.
A: [Speaks very fast Hungarian] ... B: Bocsánat, ________, kérlek!
If someone speaks too fast, you ask them to speak 'lassabban'.
You are with a friend who is walking too fast.
This phrase works for physical speed as well as speech speed.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is very polite. It shows you are listening and want to understand.
Yes, but it sounds like a command. Adding 'kérlek' makes it a request.
Use 'Lassabban, kérem' or 'Lassabban legyen szíves'.
No, you can use it for driving, walking, or any action.
'Lassan' means 'slowly'. 'Lassabban' means 'slower'. You want them to be slower than they are now.
Hold the sound for twice as long as a single letter.
Not really, but 'Lassabban!' works in emergencies.
It means 'I ask you'.
Yes, if someone is sending voice notes too quickly!
Extremely common for expats and tourists.
Related Phrases
Ismételd meg, kérlek
similarRepeat it, please
Hogy mondják...?
builds onHow do they say...?
Nem értem
similarI don't understand
Lassabban, kérem
specialized formMore slowly, please (formal)
Állj meg!
contrastStop!
