Can you speak more slowly?
Stress 'len-ta-MEN-te'. 'Può' = PWOH.
Essential for language learners when speaking Italian on the phone. Ask this when a native speaker is speaking too fast for you to understand.
'Lentamente' = slowly. 'Più lentamente' = more slowly. 'Parlare' = to speak. This is one of the most important phrases for Italian learners. Phone calls are harder than face-to-face because you can't read lips or body language.
Può ripetere, per favore?
Can you repeat, please?
Asking to repeat.
Non ho capito. Può ridire?
I didn't understand. Can you say it again?
Explaining you didn't understand.
Sto ancora imparando l'italiano.
I'm still learning Italian.
Explaining your level.
Italians are generally patient and warm with non-native speakers struggling on the phone. Acknowledging that you're learning Italian ('sto imparando l'italiano') usually elicits an encouraging and helpful response. Italians take pride in the fact that foreigners want to learn their language.