A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Speak slowly please" in Spanish
Politely ask someone to speak more slowly in Spanish. Essential for learners.
Hable despacio, por favor.
AH-blay des-PAH-see-oh, por fah-VORneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone is speaking too quickly for you to understand, especially when you're in the middle of a conversation or receiving instructions. It's a direct but polite way to request a slower pace.
Alternatives
- Habla despacio, por favor.Use this when speaking to someone you know well and use 'tú' with.
- Puede hablar más despacio, por favor.This is a slightly softer, more indirect way to ask.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'despacio' with 'espacio'
'Despacio' means slowly, while 'espacio' means space.
Using the wrong verb form
Make sure to use the usted form 'hable' for politeness, not 'hablo' (I speak) or 'hablas' (you speak informally).
A small cultural note
Latin American Spanish generally favors the 'usted' form for politeness, making 'hable' a safe default. In Spain, 'habla' (tú form) might be used more readily even with strangers in casual settings.
Frequently asked
how to say speak slower in spanish
The most common way is 'Hable despacio, por favor.' This uses the polite 'usted' form of the verb.
is hable despacio formal or informal
'Hable despacio, por favor' is considered neutral formality. It's polite enough for most situations without being overly stiff.
what if they still speak too fast
You can repeat 'Hable despacio, por favor' or try adding 'más' for emphasis: 'Hable más despacio, por favor' (Speak more slowly, please).
