A1 Expression Neutral 1 min read

ゆっくりしましょう

Yukkuri shimasho

Let's take it easy

Practice it

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Use this phrase to suggest slowing down, taking a break, or relaxing together with someone.

  • Means: Let's take it easy or let's relax.
  • Used in: Suggesting a break during work or calming someone who is rushing.
  • Don't confuse: It is not a command to move slowly, but a social invitation.
Busy schedule + 'Let's chill' = Relaxed atmosphere

Explanation at your level:

This phrase means 'let's relax.' Use it when you are with friends and want to stop working or rushing. It is very polite and easy to use.
This is a volitional expression used to invite others to take a break. It is derived from 'yukkuri' (slowly) and 'shimashou' (let's do). It is common in both social and workplace settings to reduce stress.
Beyond its literal meaning of 'slowly,' this phrase functions as a social lubricant. It allows speakers to negotiate the pace of interaction, signaling a shift toward a more relaxed, informal register. It is essential for maintaining harmony in Japanese social dynamics.
The phrase highlights the Japanese cultural preference for 'ma' or spatial/temporal breathing room. By using the volitional form, the speaker creates a shared space of relaxation, effectively de-escalating tension in high-pressure environments while maintaining appropriate social distance.
This expression exemplifies the pragmatic function of Japanese volitional verbs in social management. It serves as a soft-power tool to reframe the interpersonal dynamic, shifting from task-oriented activity to relationship-oriented leisure. Its usage requires an acute awareness of the listener's state to avoid appearing patronizing.
At a C2 level, one recognizes this as a manifestation of 'wa' (harmony). The phrase is a linguistic strategy to mitigate the 'honne' (true feeling) of exhaustion by using 'tatemae' (socially acceptable) phrasing. It reflects the cognitive linguistic tendency in Japanese to prioritize the collective emotional state over individual urgency.

Meaning

Suggesting to relax or slow down.

🌍

Cultural Background

The concept of 'yukkuri' is often associated with 'onsen' culture.

💡

Tone

Keep your voice soft.

💡

Tone

Keep your voice soft.

Test Yourself

Which is the most polite way to say 'Let's relax'?

A) ゆっくりしよう B) ゆっくりしましょう

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Mashou is the polite volitional form.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

2 exercises
Choose the correct answer Fill Blank

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
Which is the most polite way to say 'Let's relax'? Choose A1

A) ゆっくりしよう B) ゆっくりしましょう

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Mashou is the polite volitional form.

🎉 Score: /2

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

Only if you are very close.

Related Phrases

🔗

お疲れ様

builds on

Thank you for your hard work.

Where to Use It

☕

After a long day

A: お疲れ様！

B: お疲れ様。今日はゆっくりしましょう。

neutral
🏠

Weekend plans

A: 今週末、何する？

B: 家でゆっくりしようよ。

informal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Yuck' (Yukkuri) that turns into a 'Cool' (yukkuri) break.

Visual Association

Imagine a turtle wearing a sun hat, sipping tea slowly.

Rhyme

When life is a rush, take a hush, yukkuri shimashou.

Story

Ken was running to the train. He stopped, took a breath, and said 'Yukkuri shimashou.' He missed the train but enjoyed the sunset.

In Other Languages

Similar to 'Take it easy' in English or 'Prendre son temps' in French.

Word Web

休む休憩のんびり時間リラックス平和

Challenge

Say this phrase to a friend or colleague when you notice they are stressed.

Review in 1, 3, 7, and 14 days.

Pronunciation

Stress Flat pitch.

Double 'k' sound.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
ごゆっくりなさってください。

ごゆっくりなさってください。 (General relaxation)

Neutral
ゆっくりしましょう。

ゆっくりしましょう。 (General relaxation)

Informal
ゆっくりしよう。

ゆっくりしよう。 (General relaxation)

Slang
まったりしよー。

まったりしよー。 (General relaxation)

Derived from the adjective 'yukkuri' (slowly).

Edo:

Fun Fact

It is often used in advertisements for travel.

Cultural Notes

The concept of 'yukkuri' is often associated with 'onsen' culture.

“温泉でゆっくりしましょう。”

Conversation Starters

“

仕事が忙しいですね。

Common Mistakes

✗

ゆっくりします

✓

ゆっくりしましょう

wrong conjugation
The first is a statement of fact, the second is an invitation.

L1 Interference

0 1

In Other Languages

Spanish Very Similar

Tomémoslo con calma

Spanish uses 'calma' while Japanese uses 'slowly'.

French moderate

Prenons notre temps

French implies not rushing; Japanese implies relaxing.

German moderate

Lass es uns ruhig angehen

German is often used for work; Japanese is for life.

Japanese Very Similar

のんびりしましょう

Nonbiri emphasizes the mindset, yukkuri the pace.

Arabic moderate

لنأخذ الأمور ببساطة

Arabic emphasizes simplicity; Japanese emphasizes speed.

Spotted in the Real World

🎬

(1988)

“Yukkuri shiyou.”

Relaxing in the forest.

Easily Confused

ゆっくりしましょう vs ゆっくりしてください

Sounds like a command.

Use 'shimashou' to include yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (1)

Only if you are very close.

usage contexts

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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