Por favor, mais devagar.
Please, slower.
Literally: {"por":"for","favor":"favor","mais":"more","devagar":"slowly"}
In 15 Seconds
- Politely ask someone to slow down.
- Use for speech or actions.
- Works in most social/professional settings.
- Essential for language learners.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to when you need someone to pump the brakes a little. It's not just about speed; it's about understanding. You're politely asking them to slow down so you can keep up, whether they're rattling off words like a speed-talking auctioneer or moving through a task too quickly for you to follow. The vibe is helpful, not demanding, like you're saying, 'Hey, I'm right behind you, just need a sec!'
Key Examples
3 of 11Texting a friend
Aí, me manda o link depois, tô anotando aqui mas vc tá falando muito rápido! `Por favor, mais devagar.`
Hey, send me the link later, I'm writing it down but you're talking too fast! Please, slower.
At a café
O garçom explicou o especial do dia muito rápido. Eu disse: `Desculpe, pode repetir? Por favor, mais devagar.`
The waiter explained the day's special very quickly. I said: Sorry, can you repeat? Please, slower.
Job interview on Zoom
O entrevistador fez uma pergunta complexa muito rapidamente. Respondi: `Com licença, por favor, mais devagar.`
The interviewer asked a complex question very quickly. I replied: Excuse me, please, slower.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use the diminutive 'devagarinho' to make the request sound softer and more affectionate. It's a way of being polite without being formal. In Portugal, speech can be very fast and consonants are often elided. Don't be afraid to use 'mais devagar' frequently; it's a common and respected request for learners. Angolan Portuguese often has a very clear, rhythmic cadence, but in urban Luanda, slang can speed things up. 'Mais devagar' is perfectly understood and used. While Crioulo is the local language, Portuguese is used in official contexts. Using 'mais devagar' shows you are making an effort to follow the formal language.
Use your hands
Pair the phrase with a 'calm down' hand gesture (palms down, moving slightly) to make your meaning crystal clear.
Don't just nod
It's tempting to pretend you understand. Using 'mais devagar' shows you are a serious learner.
In 15 Seconds
- Politely ask someone to slow down.
- Use for speech or actions.
- Works in most social/professional settings.
- Essential for language learners.
What It Means
This phrase is your friendly signal to slow down. It's a polite way to ask someone to speak or act at a more manageable pace. Think of it as a gentle nudge, not a harsh command. It shows you're engaged but need a little more time to process. It's super useful when you're learning a new language, or even just when someone's talking too fast after a third espresso.
How To Use It
Use Por favor, mais devagar. anytime you need a pause button. If someone is speaking rapidly, say it with a smile. If a friend is explaining a complex topic too quickly, this phrase is your best friend. You can even use it if someone is assembling IKEA furniture at warp speed and you're worried they'll attach the wrong piece. It’s versatile!
Formality & Register
This phrase is wonderfully flexible. You can use it in almost any situation. It’s polite enough for a job interview on Zoom, but casual enough for texting your bestie. It strikes a great balance between being respectful and being direct. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of slowing-down requests. You won't offend anyone with this gem!
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you're watching a Netflix show with Portuguese audio. The dialogue is flying by! You could say, Por favor, mais devagar. Or, you're in a bustling Lisbon market, and the vendor is listing prices at lightning speed. A polite Por favor, mais devagar will do the trick. Even if you're just learning Portuguese on Duolingo and the audio exercises are too fast, this is your internal mantra.
When To Use It
Definitely use it when someone is speaking too fast for you to understand. This is the most common scenario. Also, use it when someone is demonstrating a skill too quickly. Think cooking tutorials or dance steps. If you're in a meeting and someone is presenting slides at a breakneck pace, it's appropriate. Basically, anytime you feel left behind, this phrase is your lifeline. It's like asking for a replay button in real life.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase if someone is already speaking very slowly or at a normal pace. That would be awkward, right? Like asking someone to turn down music that's already silent. Also, don't use it if you're in a situation where speed is crucial and expected, like an emergency announcement or a race commentary. You don't want to tell the Formula 1 driver to slow down, do you? That's a bad look.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes forget the Por favor (please), making it sound abrupt. ✗ Mais devagar. → ✓ Por favor, mais devagar. Another mistake is using it when someone is already speaking slowly. That just confuses people. Also, don't overuse it; it might make the speaker feel self-conscious. It's like giving too much constructive criticism – sometimes less is more.
Common Variations
In Brazil, you might hear Pode falar mais devagar, por favor? which is a bit more explicit. In Portugal, Um bocadinho mais devagar, por favor (A little bit slower, please) is also common and very polite. Sometimes, people might just say Devagar! in a very casual, friendly context, but this can sound a bit blunt if you're not close friends. It's like the difference between asking nicely and just yelling 'Hurry up!'
Real Conversations
Scenario 1: Learning Portuguese
Maria
João
Por favor, mais devagar. Eu não tô conseguindo acompanhar!Maria
Scenario 2: Following Instructions
Ana
Carlos
por favor, mais devagar. Pode repetir o último passo?Ana
Quick FAQ
Q. Is this phrase rude?
A. Not at all! It's very polite, especially with Por favor (please). It's a standard request.
Q. Can I use it for actions, not just speech?
A. Absolutely! If someone is doing something too fast, you can use it. It's all about requesting a slower pace.
Q. What if I forget 'Por favor'?
A. It might sound a bit demanding or impatient. Always try to include 'please'!
Q. Is there a more formal way to say this?
A. You could say, Seria possível falar um pouco mais devagar? (Would it be possible to speak a little slower?), but Por favor, mais devagar is usually sufficient.
Usage Notes
This phrase is a versatile request suitable for most informal and neutral situations. While polite, avoid using it without 'Por favor' in formal settings, as it can sound abrupt. It's primarily used for speech but can extend to actions where pace is an issue.
Use your hands
Pair the phrase with a 'calm down' hand gesture (palms down, moving slightly) to make your meaning crystal clear.
Don't just nod
It's tempting to pretend you understand. Using 'mais devagar' shows you are a serious learner.
Examples
11Aí, me manda o link depois, tô anotando aqui mas vc tá falando muito rápido! `Por favor, mais devagar.`
Hey, send me the link later, I'm writing it down but you're talking too fast! Please, slower.
Casual request in a text message to a friend who is speaking too quickly.
O garçom explicou o especial do dia muito rápido. Eu disse: `Desculpe, pode repetir? Por favor, mais devagar.`
The waiter explained the day's special very quickly. I said: Sorry, can you repeat? Please, slower.
Used politely when the waiter speaks too fast to comprehend the menu.
O entrevistador fez uma pergunta complexa muito rapidamente. Respondi: `Com licença, por favor, mais devagar.`
The interviewer asked a complex question very quickly. I replied: Excuse me, please, slower.
Used professionally to ensure full understanding of an important question.
Aprendendo português é uma aventura! Às vezes, as aulas são tão rápidas... `Por favor, mais devagar!`, eu penso. Mas a gente chega lá! #portugues #languagelearning
Learning Portuguese is an adventure! Sometimes, the lessons are so fast... Please, slower!, I think. But we'll get there! #portuguese #languagelearning
Relatable caption about the challenges of fast-paced language learning.
Esse tutorial de maquiagem é ótimo, mas a influenciadora está fazendo os passos muito rápido. Vou pausar e pensar: `Por favor, mais devagar.`
This makeup tutorial is great, but the influencer is doing the steps too fast. I'll pause and think: Please, slower.
Internal thought process when a video's pace is overwhelming.
Filho, eu sei que você quer saber tudo, mas `por favor, mais devagar` para a mamãe conseguir explicar direitinho.
Son, I know you want to know everything, but please, slower, so Mommy can explain it properly.
Used gently when a child asks too many questions at once.
✗ `Mais devagar!`
✗ Slower!
This sounds demanding. Always add 'Por favor'.
✗ `Por favor, mais devagar, rápido.` → ✓ `Por favor, mais devagar.`
✗ Please, slower, fast. → ✓ Please, slower.
Adding 'rápido' (fast) after 'mais devagar' (slower) is contradictory and confusing.
Todos estavam falando ao mesmo tempo sobre o projeto. Eu levantei a mão e disse: `Por favor, mais devagar, para que todos possamos ser ouvidos.`
Everyone was talking at the same time about the project. I raised my hand and said: Please, slower, so that everyone can be heard.
Used to manage a chaotic group discussion and ensure everyone gets a chance to speak.
O app de entrega estava dando instruções muito rápidas. Tive que parar e pensar: `Por favor, mais devagar.`
The delivery app was giving very fast instructions. I had to stop and think: Please, slower.
Used when a digital interface provides information too quickly.
Ele falava tão rápido sobre o trabalho dele que eu mal entendia. Pedi com um sorriso: `Por favor, mais devagar, quero te ouvir melhor.`
He spoke so fast about his job that I barely understood. I asked with a smile: Please, slower, I want to hear you better.
A gentle way to manage fast-paced conversation on a date.
Test Yourself
You are in a taxi and the driver is going too fast. What do you say?
Motorista, ______.
'Mais devagar' is the correct way to ask for a reduction in speed.
Complete the sentence to ask someone to speak more slowly.
Você pode falar ______ ______, por favor?
The comparative 'mais' is needed before 'devagar' to indicate a change in speed.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: [Falando muito rápido] ...e então nós fomos para a praia e depois para o restaurante... B: Desculpe, eu não entendo. ______.
When you don't understand because of speed, you ask them to slow down.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: A friend is walking 10 meters ahead of you.
You want your friend to slow down their walking pace.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Devagar vs. Baixo
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMotorista, ______.
'Mais devagar' is the correct way to ask for a reduction in speed.
Você pode falar ______ ______, por favor?
The comparative 'mais' is needed before 'devagar' to indicate a change in speed.
A: [Falando muito rápido] ...e então nós fomos para a praia e depois para o restaurante... B: Desculpe, eu não entendo. ______.
When you don't understand because of speed, you ask them to slow down.
Situation: A friend is walking 10 meters ahead of you.
You want your friend to slow down their walking pace.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all, especially with 'Por favor'. It shows you are interested in the conversation.
Yes, but it sounds a bit more like a translation from English. 'Devagar' is the native choice.
Try saying 'Um pouco mais devagar, por favor' (A little more slowly, please) or 'Pode repetir?'
No, it is an adverb and stays the same regardless of gender.
You can say 'bem devagar' or 'muito devagar'.
Yes, 'Vai com calma' or 'Segura aí' are common informal ways to say 'slow down'.
Yes, 'Vá mais devagar' is perfect for telling a driver to slow down.
'Devagar' is more common in speech; 'lentamente' is more common in writing.
It's a diminutive that makes the request sound friendlier and less like a command.
Yes, the order doesn't change the meaning or politeness.
Related Phrases
Pode repetir?
similarCan you repeat?
Mais lentamente
synonymMore slowly
Vai com calma
builds onGo with calm / Take it easy
Mais rápido
contrastFaster
