🐢🙏

How to Say ‘Slower, please.’ in Portuguese

Mais devagar, por favor.

mysh duh-vah-GAR poor fah-VOHR

[mysh duh-vah-GAR poor fah-VOHR]

💬 Usage Tip: Mais "more" in front of a word gives the "-er" meaning: mais alto "louder", mais perto "closer".

Phrase Breakdown

Mais devagar,

mysh duh-vah-GAR

More slowly,

In Portugal the 's' in 'mais' sounds like 'sh': 'mysh'. 'Devagar' means 'slowly', and its first 'e' is almost silent: 'd'vuh-GAR'.

Example

Fale mais devagar.

Speak more slowly.

Words in this phrase

Mais

[mysh]

Used to ask for additional information or greater quantity.

Example

Quero saber mais antes de me candidatar.

I want to know more before applying.

devagar

[duh-vah-GAR]

slowly

An adverb used when asking someone to reduce their speaking speed.

Example

Pode falar mais devagar? Estou a aprender.

Can you speak more slowly? I am learning.

por favor.

poor fah-VOHR

please.

This is the standard polite word. Say it 'poor fuh-VOR', with the stress on the last syllable.

Example

Um café, por favor.

A coffee, please.

Words in this phrase

por

[poor]

Please

Used to make a request more polite.

Example

Poderia ajudar-me, por favor?

Could you help me, please?

favor

[fah-VOHR]

Please

Used to make a request more polite.

Example

Diga-me por favor se está tudo bem.

Please tell me if everything is okay.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer