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Saying your English isn't great in English (advanced)

Advanced English for saying your English isn't great. Key line: “Hey, my *English* gets a little *shaky*, so could you speak *slowly*?”

Full script

Lin
Hey, my English gets a little shaky, so could you speak slowly?
Them
Of course—take your time. Do you want me to keep it simple?
Lin
Yeah, that'd help a lot. My brain sometimes just hits airplane mode.
Them
Got it. I'll slow down, and you can stop me anytime.
Lin
Thanks. If I look confused, I'm probably translating in my head, not ignoring you.
Them
No worries—I do that with menus, and I'm still guessing half the time.
Lin
Good, then it's not just me. Let's keep things short and clear.
Them
Deal. No airplane mode today—just landing the conversation nice and easy.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

shaky
✓ My English gets a little shaky.

Saying your English feels unsteady

More natural and more polite than not good

simple
✓ Could you keep it simple?

Asking for easier words

Ask them not to make it too complex

blank
✓ My brain hits airplane mode.

A funny way to say your mind goes blank

Humorous way to say you get stuck

stop
✓ You can stop me anytime.

Telling them they can interrupt you

Also for inviting correction

Quick answers

shaky: what to say in English

Say “My English gets a little shaky.” — saying your English feels unsteady. More natural and more polite than not good.

simple: what to say in English

Say “Could you keep it simple?” — asking for easier words. Ask them not to make it too complex.

blank: what to say in English

Say “My brain hits airplane mode.” — a funny way to say your mind goes blank. Humorous way to say you get stuck.

stop: what to say in English

Say “You can stop me anytime.” — telling them they can interrupt you. Also for inviting correction.

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