How to say it · Out and about

Asking someone to turn it down

The music next door is coming through the wall and you need to sleep. You want it quieter without starting a war with the neighbours.

5 ways to say it

In a flat corridor at night, a neighbour in a dressing gown asks a young man at a party door to turn down a big volume knob.

How firmGentleFirm

Would you mind turning it down a bit?best default Could you keep it down?everyday ask It's a bit loudgentle hint It's still keeping me awakesecond knock I really need you to turn it downlast polite ask

Way 1 · best default

Would you mind turning it down a bit?

Polite and clear. "A bit" makes it a small favour, so it's easy to say yes to.

How firmGentle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Sorry to bother you. Would you mind turning it down a bit? I've got work early.

Hi, would you mind turning it down a bit? My son's trying to sleep.

In a conversation

A: Hi! Everything all right?
B: Sorry to bother you this late. Would you mind turning it down a bit, please?

Common mistake

Not: ~~Your music is very noisy. Please reduce the volume.~~

Say: Would you mind turning it down a bit?

"Reduce the volume" sounds like a sign on a wall. "Turn it down" is what people actually say.

Practice saying this

Next: Could you keep it down?

Way 2 · everyday ask

Could you keep it down?

Short and normal. Works for music, TV, voices or kids, often with a time: "after eleven".

How firmMiddle

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Could you keep it down after eleven? The walls are really thin.

Guys, could you keep it down? The baby's just gone to sleep.

Common mistake

Not: Could you ~~make the music smaller?~~

Say: Could you keep it down?

In Vietnamese one word means both "small" and "quiet". In English, sound gets quieter, not smaller.

Practice saying this

Next: It's a bit loud

Way 3 · gentle hint

It's a bit loud

You just describe the problem and let them fix it. Good with friends or family.

How firmVery gentle

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

It's a bit loud in here, isn't it? I can't hear you.

Sorry, it's a bit loud for this time of night.

In a conversation

A: Great song, isn't it?
B: It is! It's a bit loud, though. I can hardly hear you.

Practice saying this

Next: It's still keeping me awake

Way 4 · second knock

It's still keeping me awake

For when they turned it down, but not enough. Calm, but you're not going away.

How firmFirm

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Thanks for turning it down, but it's still keeping me awake.

I know it's a party, but it's still keeping me awake.

In a conversation

A: I already turned it down, didn't I?
B: You did, thanks. I'm sorry, but it's still keeping me awake.

Practice saying this

Next: I really need you to turn it down

Way 5 · last polite ask

I really need you to turn it down

Very firm. For the third time, or when it really matters. No question, but still no shouting.

How firmVery firm

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

It's two in the morning. I really need you to turn it down now.

I've asked twice. I really need you to turn it down, I'm working at six.

Common mistake

Not: ~~You must~~ turn it down now.

Say: I really need you to turn it down now.

"You must" sounds like an order from a boss. "I really need you to" is just as firm, but it's about you.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

Would you mind turning it down a bit?Could you keep it down?It's a bit loud It's still keeping me awake

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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