馃嚝馃嚪 French phrases

How to Say "Slow down" in French

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Ralentis
"Slow down" in French 路 say it like rah-lahn-tee

The most natural way to say "Slow down" in French is Ralentis. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Ralentissez
more formal or when addressing multiple people
Doucement
used in a more casual context, often to suggest being gentle

When to use it

You can use 'ralentis' when you want someone to slow down, whether driving or doing an activity. It's a direct and clear way to ask for reduced speed. Use 'ralentissez' in formal situations or when addressing a group.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Slow down" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in French

FrenchEnglish
Ralentis, s'il te pla卯t.Slow down, please.
Ralentissez un peu, nous sommes en retard.Slow down a bit, we are late.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'ralentis' with 'ralentissez' and use the informal form in formal situations.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Ralentis, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking French with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'ralentis' instead of 'ralentissez'?

Use 'ralentis' when speaking informally to one person and 'ralentissez' when addressing multiple people or in a formal context.

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