Hable despacio, por favor.

When to use

This phrase is highly practical when a native speaker is talking too fast for you to follow.

How it works

The sentence combines a formal command with an adverb of speed.

• Hable: formal 'usted' imperative of 'hablar' (to speak)
• despacio: adverb, 'slowly'
• por favor: polite expression, 'please'

Register and address

This uses the polite 'usted' address, making it ideal for service workers, older adults, or strangers. The informal 'tú' equivalent is "Habla despacio, por favor", and the 'vos' form is "Hablá despacio, por favor".

Notes

Good when locals speak too quickly. Polite and safe with strangers.