July 06, 2021

I don't understand. Please speak more slowly. (beginners)

11 minutes

Send me a text message. Suggestions? Subjects for future podcasts? Let me know--thanks!

(www.deepL.com — a good website if you need to translate something.)

There is a saying in English: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. This is certainly true for language students. If you know absolutely no English and someone starts to talk to you, you smile and shrug and say—in your own language—'Sorry, I don't speak English'.

But if you know a little bit, ah, then it's trickier, because if you answer the first question and the second question, then the person may think that you actually speak English pretty well. He or she will probably ask you more questions, and maybe start speaking faster, and suddenly you are lost. Oh well, don't panic! Everyone has this experience and I promise, you'll survive.

Meanwhile, this lesson is for beginners who would, at the very least, like to express their ignorance politely.

As usual I recommend listening a lot and then repeating, speaking over my voice.

Ways to say you don't understand, etc.

1. I don't understand.
2. Sorry, I don't understand.
3. Could you repeat that?
4. Please say that again.
5. Sorry, I'm just a beginner. Could you speak more slowly?
6. Sorry, I didn't catch that. [ = "I didn't understand."]
7. Please speak slowly. (or) Please speak more slowly. (or) Please speak very slowly.
8. Whoa, slow down, please! I'm just a beginner!

Is it correct to say _______________ in English?
9. Is it correct to say "I start learn English since a few weeks?"
No, the correct way to say that is: I started learning English a few weeks ago.
Or you could say this: I've only been studying English for a few weeks.

10. Is it correct to say "I started learning English a few months ago." ?
Yes, that is perfectly correct. You could also say this:
"I have only been studying English for a few months."

Let's end with a few more variations:

I started learning English last year.
I began studying English two years ago.
I studied English in high school, but I never used it.
We studied English in high school, but we never spoke it.
I really need English now.
Many jobs require English nowadays.