Everyday conversation
Takallam bi-But': Meaning, Pronunciation, and When to Use It
تَكَلَّمْ بِبُطْءٍ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ
takallam bi-but'in min fadlik
Speak slowly, please.
When to say it
Use this when you recognise some words but cannot keep up. When speaking to a woman, say takallami bi-but'in min fadliki. The request is polite and tells the person exactly how to help.
This is practical Modern Standard Arabic. Local speech changes from place to place, but this wording is respectful and widely understood.
A natural reply
نَعَمْ، بِكُلِّ سُرُورٍ
na'am, bi-kulli surur
Yes, gladly.
Hear it in a real exchange
One short dialogue. Read it aloud, both parts.
A real beginner exchange
You are practising after class.
عَفْوًا، تَكَلَّمْ بِبُطْءٍ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ
afwan, takallam bi-but'in min fadlik
Excuse me, please speak slowly.
نَعَمْ، بِكُلِّ سُرُورٍ
na'am, bi-kulli surur
Yes, gladly.
Related phrases
هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ أَنْ تُعِيدَ؟
Hal Yumkinuka an Tu'id?
Politely ask one man to say something again.
لَا أَفْهَمُ
La Afham
Say clearly that you need another explanation.
مَاذَا يَعْنِي هَذَا؟
Madha Ya'ni Hadha?
Ask for the meaning of a word, phrase, or sign.
أَنَا أَتَعَلَّمُ الْعَرَبِيَّةَ
Ana Ata'allam al-Arabiyyah
Let someone know that you are still learning.
Keep going
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