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PhrasesCalling PolicePuò ripetere più lentamente, per favore?
A1formal

Può ripetere più lentamente, per favore?

Can you repeat more slowly, please?

Pronunciation

len-TA-men-teh — four syllables; stress on the second.

When to use it

Use at any point in an interaction with police when you cannot follow what is being said. Police are trained to adjust their communication for non-native speakers.

What it means

Requesting slower speech is one of the most effective language-learning and language-survival techniques. It is never rude in a formal context and is completely expected from non-native speakers.

Variations

Non ho capito. Può parlare più piano?

I didn't understand. Can you speak more quietly / slowly?

'Piano' means both quietly and slowly — context determines meaning.

Mi può ripetere l'ultima domanda?

Can you repeat the last question?

Specific — asks only for the question to be repeated, not the whole explanation.

Può usare parole più semplici?

Can you use simpler words?

Asks for vocabulary simplification — appropriate with legal jargon.

Mini Dialogue

— Deve fornire le sue generalità complete incluso il codice fiscale. — Mi scusi, può ripetere più lentamente, per favore? — Cer-to. Ha un do-cu-men-to d'i-den-ti-tà? — Sì, ho il passaporto.

— You need to provide your full personal details including the tax code. — Excuse me, can you repeat more slowly, please? — Of course. Do you have an identity document? — Yes, I have my passport.

Cultural Note

Italy's codice fiscale (tax identification code) is required for many official interactions. Foreign visitors can obtain a temporary one from any Agenzia delle Entrate office — useful for longer stays.