Parla piano, per favore.

to speak

Breakdown of Parla piano, per favore.

• per favore: please
• piano: quietly

Questions & Answers about Parla piano, per favore.

What verb form is parla here, and who is being addressed?

It’s the affirmative imperative of parlare, addressing tu (informal singular “you”). So Parla means “Speak!” directed at one person you’re on informal terms with.

Is this informal or formal? How would I say it formally?

It’s informal (to tu). The formal version (to Lei) is Parli piano, per favore. An even more polite request is Potrebbe parlare piano, per favore?

Why is it parla and not parli?

For -are verbs, the imperative with tu ends in -a: parla (speak), compra (buy). The form parli is either:

• the formal imperative for Lei (e.g., Parli piano), or
• the present subjunctive.

Does piano mean “slowly” or “quietly” in this sentence?

It can mean either “slowly” or “quietly/softly.” Context usually clarifies. To be unambiguous:

• “more slowly”: più lentamente, più piano
• “more quietly”: più piano, a bassa voce

Can I say Parla lentamente, per favore?