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Questions & Answers about Molim vas, govorite polako.
What does each word in Molim vas, govorite polako. mean literally?
- Molim = I ask/please (1st person singular of moliti).
- vas = you (formal/plural, accusative object).
- govorite = speak (2nd person plural imperative/polite).
- polako = slowly (adverb). The comma separates the polite marker from the main request.
Why is it govorite and not govori?
Because the sentence addresses someone with the polite/formal vi (you), which uses the 2nd person plural forms: govorite. Govori is the 2nd person singular form, used with informal ti.
Is govorite here an imperative or a present tense form?
Formally it matches both (2nd person plural present and imperative). In this context it’s the imperative used as a polite request, softened by Molim vas.
Can I say it informally to a friend?
Yes: Molim te, govori polako. You can also put the politeness at the end: Govori polako, molim te.
Do I need the comma after vas?
Yes—Molim vas is a parenthetical politeness phrase, so a comma is standard. You can also move it: Govorite polako, molim vas.
What’s the difference between polako and sporije?
- polako = slowly (absolute, calm/unhurried).
- sporije = more slowly/slower (comparative, slower than now). Both are natural: (Molim vas,) govorite polako/sporije.
Could I use pričati instead of govoriti?
Yes. Govoriti = to speak (neutral/formal); pričati = to talk/tell (more conversational). Both work: Molim vas, pričajte sporije/polako.
How do I make it even more polite or indirect?
Use a modal question:
- Možete li govoriti sporije/polako?
- Biste li mogli govoriti sporije/polako? Adding molim vas makes it even softer.
Why is vas used—what case is it?
Vas is the accusative of vi (you, formal/plural). Molim takes a direct object: literally, I ask you.
Should Vas be capitalized?
In everyday writing, use lower-case vas. In very formal letters/emails you may see Vas as a courtesy capitalization; it’s optional there.
Is it rude to say just Govorite polako. without molim vas?
It can sound like a blunt command. Molim vas (or a modal question like Možete li…?) makes it polite.
What punctuation should I use?
A period is standard for a polite request. Use a question mark with modal versions (Možete li…?); an exclamation point sounds more forceful.
How do I pronounce it?
Approximate: Molim [MOH-leem], vas [vahs], govorite [goh-VOH-ree-teh], polako [poh-LAH-koh]. Roll the r, vowels are short and pure; typical stress is on the first syllable of molim, on vo in govorite, and on la in polako.
Does Molim also mean you’re welcome?
Yes. After Hvala, people often reply Molim or Nema na čemu. In this sentence, Molim means please.
Is Molim vas da govorite polako correct?
Yes; the da-clause is grammatical and a bit more formal/official. In everyday speech, the imperative with molim vas or a modal question sounds more natural.