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How to Say ‘I'd like to speak a little more slowly.’ in Japanese

もう少しゆっくり話したいです。

mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashi tai desu

[moh soo-koh-shee yook-koo-ree hah-nah-shee tie dess]

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is polite and non-pushy, but in a bar it can also sound like you're asking the other person to slow down their speech. If your real goal is to move somewhere quieter, [ちょっと声が聞こえにくいです。] points to the noise more clearly.

Phrase Breakdown

もう少し

mou sukoshi

a little more; a bit more

Used to ask for or describe a small additional amount.

Example

もう少し時間があります。

I have a little more time.

Words in this phrase

もう

mou

[moh]

a bit more; another

Adds the idea of “a little more” to the sentence.

Example

もう少しゆっくり話したいです。

I want to talk a little more slowly.

少し

sukoshi

[soo-koh-shee]

a little; a bit

Shows a small amount, making the request sound gentle.

Example

もう少しゆっくり話したいです。

I want to talk a little more slowly.

ゆっくり

yukkuri

[yook-koo-ree]

slowly; calmly

Describes talking at a slower, more relaxed pace.

Example

もう少しゆっくり話したいです。

I want to talk a little more slowly.

話したい

hanashi tai

want to talk; want to speak

Shows the speaker's wish to speak or have a conversation.

Example

もっと話したいです。

I want to talk more.

Words in this phrase

話し

hanashi

[hah-nah-shee]

talk; speak

The stem of the verb meaning “to talk.”

Example

もう少しゆっくり話したいです。

I want to talk a little more slowly.

たい

tai

[tie]

want to

Expresses the desire to do the verb action.

Example

もう少しゆっくり話したいです。

I want to talk a little more slowly.

です

desu

[dess]

is; it is

Polite ending used in standard speech.

Example

もう少しゆっくり話したいです。

I want to talk a little more slowly.

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