Learn Hardcore Greek: Περίμενε λίγο και μίλα πιο αργά.

They are both second-person singular imperatives: Περίμενε = wait, μίλα = speak. They are in the present (imperfective) imperative, which typically asks for an ongoing or repeated action.

Is there any difference between μίλα and μίλησε?

Yes. Both mean “speak,” but:

μίλα (present imperative) = speak in a continued/ongoing way (keep your speech slow).
μίλησε (aorist imperative) = speak once/for this specific occasion (say it now). In your sentence, μίλα πιο αργά sounds natural because it asks for a sustained slower pace.

What about Περίμενε—is there also an aorist imperative?

Formally yes, but for περιμένω the 2nd person singular aorist imperative is identical in form to the present: περίμενε. So you don’t see a difference in writing. Context (and words like λίγο) tells you it’s a brief wait.

Why is there no you in the sentence?

Greek is a pro-drop language. The imperative already encodes the subject as “you” (singular), so no pronoun is needed.

How do I say this to more than one person or politely?

Use plural (also used for formal “you”):

Περιμένετε λίγο και μιλήστε πιο αργά. For a softer, more polite request, use modal phrases:
Μπορείτε να περιμένετε λίγο και να μιλάτε πιο αργά;
Add σε παρακαλώ/σας παρακαλώ to soften further.

What does λίγο add here?

λίγο means “a little (bit)” and both reduces the amount (“for a bit”) and softens the tone—much like “just” in English (“Just wait a sec”). Variants:

για λίγο = for a short while (duration is emphasized)
ένα λεπτό / μισό λεπτό = one minute / half a minute (more literal)

Is λίγο an adjective or adverb here?

An adverb. It modifies the verb περίμενε (“wait a little”). The adjective forms (λίγος/λίγη/λίγο) agree with nouns, e.g., λίγη ζάχαρη (a little sugar).

How does πιο αργά work? Could I say περισσότερο αργά?

πιο forms the comparative (“more”) with adjectives/adverbs: πιο αργά = more slowly. It’s the default, natural choice. περισσότερο αργά is grammatically possible but sounds off; use πιο. You can intensify: πολύ πιο αργά = much more slowly.

Is πιο the same as ποιο?

No:

πιο = more (comparative marker)
ποιο = which/what (neuter form) They sound the same, but in your sentence it must be πιο.

Does αργά mean “slowly” or “late”?

Both, depending on context:

With actions like speaking/walking: αργά = slowly.
With time expressions: αργά = late (e.g., Είναι αργά = It’s late). In μίλα πιο αργά, it clearly means “more slowly.”

Can I say μίλα πιο σιγά instead?

That changes the meaning. σιγά = quietly/softly (lower volume), not slowly. Use αργά for speed. Note: σιγά-σιγά can mean “slowly/gradually” in other contexts, but for speaking speed say αργά.

Is punctuation with και okay here? Do I need a comma?

It’s fine as written. Greek typically doesn’t require a comma before και when linking two imperatives. You can add an exclamation mark for emphasis: Περίμενε λίγο και μίλα πιο αργά!

How would I say “Don’t speak so fast” as a contrast?

Use the negative imperative with μη(ν):

Μην μιλάς τόσο γρήγορα. (Don’t speak so fast.) Then you can add: Μίλα πιο αργά.

What’s the difference between μιλάω and μιλώ?

They’re two interchangeable present-tense forms of the same verb (“I speak”). Some prefer the shorter μιλώ in writing; both are common in speech. Imperatives come from the same verb: μίλα (2sg), μιλήστε (2pl).

Any pronunciation tips for the whole sentence?

Περίμενε: pe-RI-me-ne (stress on RI)
λίγο: LEE-go (the γ is a soft, voiced fricative like Spanish “amigo”)
και: pronounced “ke”
μίλα: MEE-la (stress on MI; don’t confuse with μιλά = “he/she speaks”)
πιο: roughly “pyo”
αργά: ar-GA (soft g again; stress on GA)