Question
I’m planning to visit Japan for business meetings. I want to make a good impression, but I’m not confident in my Japanese. How can I politely say “Could you speak a bit slower, please?” in Japanese during a meeting?
Japango Editor Team
もう少（すこ）しゆっくり話（はな）していただけますか。
Mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka?
Could you speak a bit slower, please?
This is a polite way to ask someone to speak slower, which is particularly useful in formal settings like business meetings. The phrase “mou sukoshi” means “a bit more”; “yukkuri” means “slowly”; and “hanashite itadakemasu ka” is a polite form of asking someone to do something.
If you are in a business meeting, using “itadakemasu ka” makes the request sound respectful and professional. Remember to maintain eye contact and a polite demeanor when making this request, as non-verbal communication is also an important aspect of Japanese culture.
