24 Japanese Phrases to Say “Please Speak Slowly”

Learning Japanese can be such a rewarding adventure.

Sometimes, though, the speed of conversation feels like a whirlwind. It’s totally normal to want someone to slow down just a bit.

That’s where knowing how to say “Please speak slowly” in various ways can be a lifesaver. It makes conversations smoother and your learning journey more enjoyable.

Whether you’re chatting with a friend, practicing with a teacher, or navigating daily life in Japan, having these handy phrases ready can boost your confidence.

Plus, mastering these expressions lets you connect better and shows respect for the speaker’s effort too.

Let’s dive into 24 Japanese phrases to politely ask someone to speak more slowly, with tips and pronunciation guides to help you sound natural.

Why It’s Helpful to Ask Someone to Speak Slowly

Asking someone to slow down is a simple tool to improve your understanding.

It shows you’re engaged and eager to learn, not just passively listening. Plus, it gives you a moment to process what’s said, which is invaluable in language learning.

Don’t hesitate to use these phrases—they’re a natural part of communication.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Knowing these phrases also helps reduce anxiety when conversations get fast. It’s a small phrase that makes a big difference.

Try practicing these out loud so they feel comfortable and natural when you really need them.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. もっとゆっくり話して (Motto yukkuri hanashite) – moh-toh yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh

This phrase literally means “Speak more slowly.”

It’s casual and straightforward, perfect for friends or informal situations. “もっと (motto)” means “more,” and “ゆっくり (yukkuri)” means “slowly.” “話して (hanashite)” is the -te form of “to speak.”

Because it’s polite but casual, it’s a great go-to phrase.

Simple and clear, it gets your point across without fuss.

You can also add “ください (kudasai)” after it to make it more polite: “もっとゆっくり話してください.”

Try using this phrase in casual conversations to build your confidence asking for clarity.

2. もう少しゆっくり話して (Mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite) – moh-oh skoh-shee yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh

This means “Speak a little more slowly.”

“もう少し (mou sukoshi)” means “a little more,” which softens the request nicely. It’s an easy phrase to remember and polite enough for many settings.

It’s a gentle way to ask without sounding demanding.

Watch out not to say it too quickly yourself—slow down when you ask!

Example: “すみません、もう少しゆっくり話してくれますか？” (Sumimasen, mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite kuremasu ka?) meaning “Excuse me, could you speak a little more slowly?”

This phrase is a natural step up from the first, showing extra politeness.

3. ゆっくり話してもらえますか？ (Yukkuri hanashite moraemasu ka?) – yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh moh-rah-eh-mahss kah?

This is a polite request meaning “Could you speak slowly?”

Adding “もらえますか (moraemasu ka)” turns the sentence into a polite question asking for a favor. It’s excellent for formal or semi-formal situations.

Using this phrase shows respect and humility, which Japanese culture values.

It’s a great phrase to use when talking to strangers or elders.

Try pairing it with “お願いします (onegaishimasu)” for extra politeness.

Perfect for situations where you want to be respectful but clear about your needs.

4. もう一度ゆっくり言ってください (Mou ichido yukkuri itte kudasai) – moh oh-chee-doh yoo-kkoo-ree eet-teh koo-dah-sai

This phrase means “Please say it slowly one more time.”

“もう一度 (mou ichido)” means “one more time” or “again.” Adding it makes the request clear you want a repeat with a slower pace.

It’s useful when you didn’t catch something the first time.

“言ってください (itte kudasai)” means “please say.”

Use this when you want to combine asking for repetition and slowing down.

Great for conversations where new information is being shared and you want to be sure you understand.

5. ちょっとゆっくり話してもいい？ (Chotto yukkuri hanashite mo ii?) – choh-toh yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh moh ee?

This means “Is it okay if you speak a little slowly?”

“ちょっと (chotto)” means “a little,” and “もいい？ (mo ii?)” means “is it okay?”—making it a casual and friendly request.

It’s great for informal situations, like with classmates or friends.

It’s a soft and polite way to ask without sounding too direct.

You can use it to keep the conversation light and comfortable.

Try this phrase when you want to sound approachable and polite at the same time.

6. もう少しゆっくり話してくれる？ (Mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite kureru?) – moh-oh skoh-shee yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh koo-reh-roo?

This phrase means “Could you speak a little more slowly?” in a casual but polite tone.

“くれる (kureru)” implies the speaker is asking for a favor, making it gentle and friendly. It’s perfect for peers or acquaintances.

It’s less formal than “もらえますか” but still respectful.

Be mindful to use this with people you know well enough.

Example: “もう少しゆっくり話してくれる？ちょっと聞き取りにくいんだ。” (“Could you speak a little more slowly? It’s a bit hard for me to catch.”)

This phrase balances politeness with casual comfort.

7. 話すのをゆっくりにしてもらえますか？ (Hanasu no o yukkuri ni shite moraemasu ka?) – hah-nah-soo noh oh yoo-kkoo-ree nee shee-teh moh-rah-eh-mahss kah?

This means “Could you make your speaking slower?”

It’s a polite and slightly formal way to ask. “話すのを (hanasu no o)” refers to “the act of speaking,” and “ゆっくりにして (yukkuri ni shite)” means “make it slow.”

Adding “もらえますか” makes it a courteous request.

Use this phrase when you want to sound very polite and clear.

It’s great in professional or classroom settings.

Try practicing this phrase for formal conversations and presentations.

8. もう少しゆっくりお願いできますか？ (Mou sukoshi yukkuri onegaidekimasu ka?) – moh-oh skoh-shee yoo-kkoo-ree oh-neh-gai deh-kee-mahss kah?

This phrase means “Could you please speak a little more slowly?”

“お願いできますか (onegaidekimasu ka)” is a very polite way to ask for a favor. It’s perfect for formal situations, like business or official meetings.

It’s respectful and clear without being too stiff.

Remember not to rush when saying this phrase to keep the polite tone.

Example: “すみません、もう少しゆっくりお願いできますか？” (“Excuse me, could you please speak a little more slowly?”)

Use this phrase when you want to be both polite and clear about your needs.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. ゆっくり話していただけますか？ (Yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka?) – yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah?

This is a very polite way to say “Could you please speak slowly?”

“いただけますか (itadakemasu ka)” adds humility and respect, making it perfect for formal contexts.

It shows you value the other person’s help.

Best used with people you don’t know well or in professional settings.

Try pairing this with a slight bow to show extra respect.

It’s a phrase that will earn you smiles for your politeness.

10. ゆっくり話してくださいますか？ (Yukkuri hanashite kudasaimasu ka?) – yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh koo-dah-sai-mahss kah?

This means “Would you kindly speak slowly?”

“くださいますか (kudasaimasu ka)” is a very polite form of “please do.” It’s common in formal speech.

It’s great for customer service situations or polite conversations.

Avoid using this phrase casually or with close friends.

Example: “申し訳ありませんが、ゆっくり話してくださいますか？” (“I’m sorry to trouble you, but could you please speak slowly?”)

This phrase is polite and considerate, perfect for official interactions.

11. もう少しゆっくりお話しいただけますか？ (Mou sukoshi yukkuri ohanashi itadakemasu ka?) – moh-oh skoh-shee yoo-kkoo-ree oh-hah-nah-shee ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah?

This formal phrase means “Could you please speak a little more slowly?”

“お話し (ohanashi)” is a polite noun form of “talk” or “speech.” Adding “いただけますか” makes it humble and respectful.

It’s perfect for speeches, presentations, or formal discussions.

Use this when you want to sound very polished and courteous.

Practice this phrase to impress in business or academic contexts.

It’s a great phrase to have in your formal Japanese toolkit.

12. もう一度ゆっくり説明していただけますか？ (Mou ichido yukkuri setsumei shite itadakemasu ka?) – moh ee-chee-doh yoo-kkoo-ree set-sueh-meh shee-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah?

This means “Could you please explain slowly one more time?”

“説明 (setsumei)” means “explanation,” so this phrase is great when you need a clear, slow repeat of information.

It’s polite and perfect for academic or work environments.

Use it when you want to ensure understanding without sounding impatient.

Example: “すみません、もう一度ゆっくり説明していただけますか？” (“Excuse me, could you please explain slowly once more?”)

This phrase is respectful and clear, ideal for formal learning situations.

13. 速く話されると理解が難しいです。ゆっくり話していただけますか？ (Hayaku hanasareru to rikai ga muzukashii desu. Yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka?) – hah-yah-koo hah-nah-sah-reh-roo toh ree-kai gah moo-zoo-kah-shee dess yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah?

This phrase means “When you speak fast, it’s difficult to understand. Could you speak slowly, please?”

It’s a polite way to explain why you need them to slow down, adding context.

“速く話される (hayaku hanasareru)” is a polite passive form meaning “when you speak fast.”

Use this when you want to be extra clear and polite about your difficulty.

It helps build empathy from the speaker.

Perfect for formal or semi-formal conversations where you want to explain yourself kindly.

14. お話をゆっくりしていただけると助かります。 (Ohanashi o yukkuri shite itadakeru to tasukarimasu.) – oh-hah-nah-shee oh yoo-kkoo-ree shee-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-roo toh tah-skah-ree-mahss

This means “I would appreciate it if you could speak slowly.”

It’s a humble and polite way to ask, often used in written or formal speech.

“助かります (tasukarimasu)” means “it helps” or “I would be saved.”

It’s a great way to express gratitude in advance for the speaker’s effort.

Use it in emails or formal conversations.

This phrase shows both respect and appreciation.

15. もう少しゆっくりお話しいただけるとありがたいです。 (Mou sukoshi yukkuri ohanashi itadakeru to arigatai desu.) – moh-oh skoh-shee yoo-kkoo-ree oh-hah-nah-shee ee-tah-dah-keh-roo toh ah-ree-gah-tah-ee dess

This phrase means “I would be grateful if you could speak a little more slowly.”

“ありがたいです (arigatai desu)” expresses deep gratitude, making this very polite.

It’s perfect for business emails or formal meetings.

Use this when you want to sound especially thankful and respectful.

It’s a phrase that conveys humility and politeness.

Practice this one for any formal Japanese engagements.

16. 速い話し方で理解が難しいので、ゆっくり話していただけませんか？ (Hayai hanashikata de rikai ga muzukashii node, yukkuri hanashite itadakemasen ka?) – hah-yah-ee hah-nah-shee-kah-tah deh ree-kai gah moo-zoo-kah-shee noh-deh yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mah-sen kah?

This means “Because the fast way of speaking is hard to understand, could you please speak slowly?”

It’s a polite and clear explanation combined with a request.

Use this when you want to be very specific about the problem.

“話し方 (hanashikata)” means “way of speaking.”

This phrase is great for formal meetings or learning environments.

It shows you’re thoughtful and respectful in your communication.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. もうちょっとゆっくり話してよ (Mou chotto yukkuri hanashite yo) – moh choh-toh yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh yoh

This is a very casual, friendly way to say “Speak a little more slowly, okay?”

“もうちょっと (mou chotto)” means “a little more,” and “よ (yo)” adds emphasis, making it sound natural among friends.

It’s best reserved for people you know very well.

Avoid using this in formal situations or with strangers.

Example: “ねえ、もうちょっとゆっくり話してよ！” (“Hey, speak a bit slower!”)

Use this to sound like a native in informal, relaxed conversations.

18. ゆっくりしてくれよ (Yukkuri shite kure yo) – yoo-kkoo-ree shee-teh koo-reh yoh

This phrase means “Slow down, okay?” in a very casual way.

“してくれ (shite kure)” is a casual command form, and “よ (yo)” softens it slightly.

It’s used among close friends or peers only.

Not polite enough for strangers or formal use.

Try this if you want to sound like a local in chill settings.

Remember, tone matters a lot with casual phrases!

19. ゆっくり話せよ (Yukkuri hanase yo) – yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-seh yoh

This is a direct but friendly command: “Speak slowly!”

“話せ (hanase)” is the casual imperative form of “to speak,” and “よ (yo)” adds a friendly tone.

Only use this with good friends or siblings.

It’s not suitable for polite or formal contexts.

Good for fun, casual conversations where you feel comfortable.

Use it sparingly to avoid sounding rude.

20. ゆっくり頼むわ (Yukkuri tanomu wa) – yoo-kkoo-ree tah-noh-moo wah

This means “Please, slow down” in a casual and friendly way.

“頼む (tanomu)” means “to request,” and “わ (wa)” adds a soft, feminine sentence ending.

It’s casual but polite within close groups.

Good for informal settings with friends.

Use this to sound natural and warm.

Try this phrase when you want to keep things light and easygoing.

21. もう少しゆっくりしてくれ (Mou sukoshi yukkuri shite kure) – moh-oh skoh-shee yoo-kkoo-ree shee-teh koo-reh

This means “Please slow down a little.”

It’s casual but polite enough among friends or coworkers.

“してくれ (shite kure)” is a casual request form.

Don’t use this with strangers or in formal situations.

It’s easy to remember and sounds natural.

This phrase helps keep conversations smooth and friendly.

22. ゆっくり喋ってよ (Yukkuri shabetto yo) – yoo-kkoo-ree shah-beh-toh yoh

This is a casual way to say “Speak slowly, okay?”

“喋って (shabetto)” is a casual form of “to talk,” and “よ (yo)” adds emphasis.

Use it with close friends or family.

Not suitable for formal or polite contexts.

It’s a friendly phrase that sounds very natural in casual speech.

Try it out with your Japanese-speaking friends for a relaxed vibe.

23. ゆっくりお願いね (Yukkuri onegai ne) – yoo-kkoo-ree oh-neh-gai neh

This means “Please (speak) slowly, okay?”

“お願いね (onegai ne)” is a casual but polite way to say “please,” often used among friends.

It’s soft and friendly, great for casual conversations.

Use it to sound warm and approachable.

It’s a phrase that combines politeness with casual charm.

Perfect for building friendly rapport while learning.

24. ゆっくり話してほしいな (Yukkuri hanashite hoshii na) – yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh hoh-shee nah

This means “I want you to speak slowly.”

“ほしい (hoshii)” expresses desire, and “な (na)” softens the sentence making it sound gentle.

It’s casual and friendly, great for close friends or classmates.

Not for formal or business use.

This phrase shows your wish clearly but kindly.

Use it when you want to express your need in a warm, natural way.

Concluding Thought

Asking someone to speak slowly is a simple but powerful way to improve your Japanese communication.

With these 24 phrases at your fingertips, you can navigate different situations with confidence and politeness.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy every conversation—it’s all part of your amazing language journey!