Signification
A request for someone to slow down their speech.
Contexte culturel
The 'Pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture means Koreans often speak very fast. Asking them to slow down is a common and accepted part of being a learner. In meetings, using '말씀' instead of '말' shows you respect the other person's professional status while admitting your own linguistic limit. Age and status dictate the ending. Never use '말해 줘' with someone older, even if you are frustrated by their speed. Korean teachers are trained to wait for students. Using this phrase is seen as a sign of a diligent student who wants to catch every detail.
Use your hands
Pair the phrase with a gentle 'calm down' hand gesture (palms down) to make your meaning even clearer.
Don't over-soften
If you say '좀' too many times, you might sound hesitant. Once is enough!
Signification
A request for someone to slow down their speech.
Use your hands
Pair the phrase with a gentle 'calm down' hand gesture (palms down) to make your meaning even clearer.
Don't over-soften
If you say '좀' too many times, you might sound hesitant. Once is enough!
Smile!
A smile while saying this phrase prevents it from sounding like a complaint about the speaker's ability.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing adverb to ask the person to speak slowly.
죄송하지만 좀 (______) 말해 주세요.
'천천히' means slowly. '빨리' is fast, '크게' is loudly, and '작게' is quietly.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a teacher to slow down?
선생님, ...
Using '말씀' (honorific) and '주세요' (polite request) is the most appropriate for a teacher.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 한국말이 너무 빨라요? B: 네, (____________________).
If the Korean is too fast, the natural request is to ask them to speak slowly.
Match the phrase to the situation: You are on the phone and can't understand the fast numbers.
전화번호가 너무 빨라요. 뭐라고 해요?
When numbers are delivered too fast, you ask the speaker to slow down.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use '천천히'
Speech
- • 말해 주세요
- • 말씀해 주세요
Action
- • 걸어 주세요
- • 가 주세요
Banque d exercices
4 exercices죄송하지만 좀 (______) 말해 주세요.
'천천히' means slowly. '빨리' is fast, '크게' is loudly, and '작게' is quietly.
선생님, ...
Using '말씀' (honorific) and '주세요' (polite request) is the most appropriate for a teacher.
A: 한국말이 너무 빨라요? B: 네, (____________________).
If the Korean is too fast, the natural request is to ask them to speak slowly.
전화번호가 너무 빨라요. 뭐라고 해요?
When numbers are delivered too fast, you ask the speaker to slow down.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNot strictly, but without it, the request can sound a bit 'dry' or like a direct order. It's highly recommended for politeness.
Yes! That is even more polite ('Would you mind speaking slowly?'). It's great for formal situations.
You can say '죄송하지만, 아직 잘 모르겠어요. 다시 한 번만 천천히 말씀해 주세요.' (I'm sorry, I still don't quite understand. Please say it slowly one more time.)
Expressions liées
다시 말씀해 주세요
similarPlease say it again.
천천히 하세요
builds onTake your time / Do it slowly.
크게 말해 주세요
contrastPlease speak loudly.
또박또박 말해 주세요
specialized formPlease enunciate clearly.
