Formal to Client
Workplace · Phone
恐れ入りますが、もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか？ — I'm very sorry to ask, but could you speak a little more slowly? (Workplace · Phone, Formal to Client, JLPT N4)
You
恐れ入りますが、もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか？
おそれいりますが、もうすこしゆっくりはなしていただけますか？
I'm very sorry to ask, but could you speak a little more slowly?
Romaji: Osoreirimas ga, mō sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Ā, sumimasen. Yukkuri hanashimasu ne.
Reply
ああ、すみません。ゆっくり話しますね。
ああ、すみません。ゆっくりはなしますね。
Oh, sorry about that. I'll slow down.
Gesture & etiquette
Keep your voice calm and genuinely apologetic — never frustrated; have pen and notepad ready so you can write as soon as they slow down; confirm all key details by reading them back before ending the call.
恐れ入りますが' frames your request as a personal listening limitation rather than the caller's fault — face-saving for both parties. Foreign professionals often skip this softener and accidentally come across as blunt. After they slow down, always read key information back: 'では、〇〇様でございますね。' (So that's Mr./Ms. 〇〇, correct?)