In 15 Seconds
- Read at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
- Used for studying, enjoying literature, or careful checking.
- Combines 'yukkuri' (slowly) with 'yomu' (to read).
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of taking your time to read something carefully and at a relaxed pace. It's about savoring the words rather than rushing through them.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reading a book at a cafe
カフェで本をゆっくり読みます。
I read a book slowly at a cafe.
Asking a teacher to read a text again
すみません、ゆっくり読んでください。
Excuse me, please read it slowly.
Texting a friend about a long message
あとでゆっくり読むね！
I'll read it carefully later!
Cultural Background
Reading is often associated with 'shukan' (habit) and self-improvement. The 'Slow Reading' movement is a global trend against digital distraction.
Small Tsu
Don't forget the pause in 'yu-k-kuri'. It's essential for correct pronunciation.
In 15 Seconds
- Read at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
- Used for studying, enjoying literature, or careful checking.
- Combines 'yukkuri' (slowly) with 'yomu' (to read).
What It Means
Imagine you have a giant bowl of delicious ramen. You don't just gulp it down in one go. You savor the broth. You enjoy the noodles. ゆっくり読む is exactly like that for books. It means reading at a relaxed, steady pace. It is about understanding every single detail. You aren't just scanning for keywords. You are living inside the text. It’s the opposite of speed-reading.
How To Use It
It is a very simple phrase to build. You take the adverb ゆっくり. Then you add the verb 読む. You can change the verb ending easily. Use 読みます for polite situations. Use 読んで when asking a friend to take their time. It is like building with LEGO blocks. Just snap the pieces together. It works with books, menus, or long text messages.
When To Use It
Use it when you find a difficult book. Use it when you get a heartfelt letter from a friend. It is perfect for your Japanese study sessions. If a friend sends a long, emotional text, use this. It shows you care about their words. It is also great for legal documents. Nobody wants to miss the fine print! You might say it to yourself as a reminder to relax.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if the building is on fire. You shouldn't ゆっくり読む the exit signs then! Avoid it when you are in a massive rush. If your boss needs a summary in two minutes, don't say this. It implies a total lack of urgency. It is for leisure and focus, not for emergencies. Don't use it if you're just being lazy and avoiding work.
Cultural Background
In Japan, there is a famous phrase: "Dokusho no Aki." It means "Autumn is the season for reading." The cool air makes people want to stay inside. They grab a book and a hot cup of green tea. Reading slowly is a form of mindfulness in Japan. It is a way to escape the busy, crowded city life. It is a quiet and highly respected hobby.
Common Variations
You might hear ゆっくり読んでね from a close friend. That is the casual, friendly version. Teachers might say ゆっくり読みましょう. That means "Let's read slowly together." If you are struggling with a menu, say ゆっくり読んでもいいですか？. That asks for permission to take your time. You can also use ゆっくり読んでいます to say you are currently enjoying a book.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile. Just remember that 'yukkuri' is an adverb, so it always comes before the verb 'yomu'. It is safe for all social situations as long as you use the correct verb conjugation.
Small Tsu
Don't forget the pause in 'yu-k-kuri'. It's essential for correct pronunciation.
Examples
6カフェで本をゆっくり読みます。
I read a book slowly at a cafe.
A standard, neutral way to describe a relaxing activity.
すみません、ゆっくり読んでください。
Excuse me, please read it slowly.
A polite request using the 'te-form' + kudasai.
あとでゆっくり読むね！
I'll read it carefully later!
Shows the friend that you value their long message.
漢字が難しいから、ゆっくり読みます。
The kanji is hard, so I'll read it slowly.
A relatable moment for any language learner.
祖母の手紙をゆっくり読みました。
I read my grandmother's letter slowly.
Implies emotional weight and savoring the memory.
契約書をゆっくり読みましょう。
Let's read the contract slowly.
Professional advice to avoid mistakes.
Test Yourself
Which is the correct way to ask someone to read slowly?
___ 読んでください。
Yukkuri means slowly.
Fill in the blank.
難しい本だから、___ 読みます。
Because it's a difficult book, I read it slowly.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercises___ 読んでください。
Yukkuri means slowly.
難しい本だから、___ 読みます。
Because it's a difficult book, I read it slowly.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, 'yukkuri hanashite' (speak slowly) is very common.
Related Phrases
じっくり読む
similarTo read thoroughly
速く読む
contrastTo read fast
