느리게

§ What 느리게 Means

DEFINITION

Slowly; at a slow speed.

The Korean adverb 느리게 (neulige) is used to describe an action or process that happens at a slow pace. It comes from the adjective 느리다 (neurida), meaning 'to be slow.' When you add the adverbial suffix -게 to an adjective, it transforms it into an adverb, allowing it to modify verbs or other adverbs.

§ Examples of 느리게 in Sentences

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He moves too slowly when walking.

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My computer is operating slowly these days.

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A turtle is an animal that walks slowly.

§ Similar Words and When to Use 느리게

While 느리게 directly translates to 'slowly,' it's helpful to understand its nuances compared to other related words in Korean. There isn't a direct one-to-one synonym that can always replace 느리게 in every context, but here are some closely related expressions and how they differ.

• 천천히 (cheoncheonhi): This is perhaps the most common and versatile word for 'slowly' or 'gently.' It also comes from an adjective, 천천하다 (cheoncheonhada), meaning 'to be gentle' or 'to be gradual.'

천천히 often implies a conscious decision to be slow, or a careful, unhurried manner. It can be used as an instruction, like 'Go slowly!' or 'Take your time.'

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Please eat your meal slowly.

You wouldn't typically say "컴퓨터가 천천히 작동해요" (My computer works slowly) to describe a technical issue, as 천천히 suggests intent. In that case, 느리게 is more appropriate.

• 더디게 (deodige): This adverb also means 'slowly' or 'languidly,' coming from the adjective 더디다 (deodida), 'to be slow' or 'to be tardy.'

더디게 often carries a nuance of slowness that is unwanted or causes delay. It can imply a process taking longer than expected or desired, or a general sense of being behind schedule. It's often used when talking about progress, growth, or recovery.

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The recovery is progressing slowly (with a sense of it being delayed or taking too long).

You could use 느리게 here too, but 더디게 emphasizes the unsatisfactory aspect of the slowness.

• 느릿느릿 (neuritneurit): This is an onomatopoeic or mimetic word, often used to describe very slow, deliberate, or even sluggish movement, sometimes with a sense of clumsiness or heaviness.

느릿느릿 paints a more vivid picture of slowness, like someone dragging their feet or a creature moving in a very unhurried, perhaps even comical way. It adds a descriptive, almost visual element to the slowness.

HINT

Grandfather walked very slowly/languidly.

While you could say 할아버지가 느리게 걸어가셨어요, 느릿느릿 gives a more expressive description of his slow gait.

§ Key Differences Summarized

• 느리게: General term for 'slowly,' describing an objective slow speed. Good for technical slowness, natural slowness (e.g., turtles), or when simply stating a fact about speed.
• 천천히: Implies deliberate slowness, gentleness, or an unhurried manner. Often used in instructions or when caution is involved.
• 더디게: Conveys a sense of slowness that is unwelcome, delayed, or takes longer than expected, often with an implication of frustration or inefficiency.
• 느릿느릿: A descriptive, often vivid term for very slow, deliberate, or sluggish movement, adding a visual or sensory element.

By understanding these differences, you can choose the most appropriate word to precisely convey the type of 'slowness' you want to describe in Korean. Start with 느리게 as your default for general slowness, and then consider 천천히, 더디게, or 느릿느릿 when you want to add more specific nuances to your expression.