In 15 Seconds
- To eat at a relaxed, leisurely pace without rushing.
- Used to encourage others to relax and enjoy their meal.
- Combines 'yukkuri' (slowly) with 'taberu' (to eat).
Meaning
This phrase means to take your time while eating, savoring each bite rather than rushing through the meal. It's often used as a kind suggestion to relax or as a personal intention to enjoy food more mindfully.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a busy friend at lunch
時間はたっぷりあるから、ゆっくり食べてね。
We have plenty of time, so eat slowly, okay?
A waiter serving a guest
どうぞ、ごゆっくりお召し上がりください。
Please, take your time and enjoy your meal.
Texting a friend who is still eating
まだ食べてる？ゆっくり食べて、後で連絡して。
Still eating? Eat slowly and message me later.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Hara Hachi Bun Me' (eating until 80% full) is a cornerstone of Japanese longevity. Eating slowly is the practical method to achieve this, as it allows the brain to receive satiety signals. In business lunches, the host will often say 'Yukkuri...' to ensure the guest doesn't feel they have to match the host's eating speed, especially if the host is a fast eater. During 'Kyushoku' (school lunch), students are taught to appreciate their food. While there is a time limit, 'yukkuri' is encouraged to ensure proper chewing and social interaction. Mindful eating is a form of meditation. 'Yukkuri taberu' aligns with the Zen practice of being fully present in the act of consuming food, noticing every texture and flavor.
Use it to be polite
If you finish your meal before your Japanese host, don't just sit there. Say 'Yukkuri tabete kudasai' to show you are happy to wait.
Avoid the command form
Never say 'Yukkuri tabero' to anyone except your own children or very close younger siblings. It sounds like a military order.
In 15 Seconds
- To eat at a relaxed, leisurely pace without rushing.
- Used to encourage others to relax and enjoy their meal.
- Combines 'yukkuri' (slowly) with 'taberu' (to eat).
What It Means
ゆっくり食べる is all about the pace of your meal. It means eating at a leisurely speed. You aren't just fueling up. You are enjoying the flavors. It suggests a sense of calm and relaxation. Think of it as the opposite of 'wolfing down' your food. It’s a very common, friendly expression in Japan.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is very simple. You just place the adverb ゆっくり (slowly) before the verb 食べる (to eat). You can change the ending to fit the situation. Use ゆっくり食べてね for friends. Use ゆっくり食べてください for someone you respect. It’s a versatile building block for many sentences. You can even use it as a command or a gentle piece of advice.
When To Use It
Use this when you see a friend rushing their lunch. It’s perfect for a long dinner date. Use it when you want to tell someone there is no rush. If you are hosting a party, tell your guests to ゆっくり食べて. It creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s also great for talking about health goals. Many people say they want to ゆっくり食べる to stay fit.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you are actually in a huge rush. If the train leaves in three minutes, don't say it! Avoid using the casual form with your boss. It might sound a bit too bossy or overly personal. Also, don't use it if someone is already eating very slowly. That might sound like you are being sarcastic. Nobody likes a sarcastic comment about their chewing speed!
Cultural Background
In Japan, food is often treated with deep respect. You might know the phrase いただきます before meals. ゆっくり食べる fits into this culture of appreciation. Rushing through a meal can seem like you don't care about the cook. There is also a health concept called 'Hara Hachi Bu.' This means eating until you are 80% full. Eating slowly helps you realize when you are actually full. It’s a secret to the long lives many Japanese people enjoy.
Common Variations
You will hear ゆっくり食べて most often in daily life. If you want to be very polite, use ゆっくり召し上がってください. This uses the humble/honorific form of 'eat.' For a more casual vibe, just say ゆっくりね. This implies 'take your time.' You can also say ゆっくり食べたい when you are stressed. It means 'I want to eat slowly' for once. It’s a small wish for a peaceful moment.
Usage Notes
This phrase is generally safe in all social registers. Just remember to use `食べてください` for polite situations and `召し上がってください` for very formal service contexts.
Use it to be polite
If you finish your meal before your Japanese host, don't just sit there. Say 'Yukkuri tabete kudasai' to show you are happy to wait.
Avoid the command form
Never say 'Yukkuri tabero' to anyone except your own children or very close younger siblings. It sounds like a military order.
The 20-minute rule
In Japan, it's often said that it takes 20 minutes for your brain to feel full. 'Yukkuri taberu' is the key to weight management.
Examples
6時間はたっぷりあるから、ゆっくり食べてね。
We have plenty of time, so eat slowly, okay?
Adding 'ne' makes it sound like a warm, caring suggestion.
どうぞ、ごゆっくりお召し上がりください。
Please, take your time and enjoy your meal.
This uses the highly formal version of the phrase.
まだ食べてる？ゆっくり食べて、後で連絡して。
Still eating? Eat slowly and message me later.
A common way to tell someone not to rush for you.
お腹が空きすぎて、ゆっくり食べられないよ！
I'm so hungry, I can't eat slowly!
Uses the potential negative form to show lack of control.
よく噛んで、ゆっくり食べなさい。
Chew well and eat slowly.
A standard parental instruction for safety and health.
今日は家でゆっくり食べたい気分です。
I feel like eating slowly at home today.
Expresses a desire for peace and quiet.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct adverb to tell your guest to relax.
どうぞ、_______ {食|た}べてください。
'Yukkuri' is the correct adverb for 'slowly/leisurely'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a doctor giving health advice?
Choose the best sentence:
'~ta hou ga ii desu yo' is the standard polite way to give advice.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: {仕事|しごと}が{忙|いそが}しくて、いつも5{分|ふん}でごはんを{食|た}べちゃうんだ。 B: それはよくないよ。もっと________________。
B is giving friendly advice to A.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a very formal traditional Japanese inn (Ryokan).
This is the highest level of honorific speech (Keigo) suitable for a Ryokan.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Eating Speed vs. Context
Practice Bank
4 exercisesどうぞ、_______ {食|た}べてください。
'Yukkuri' is the correct adverb for 'slowly/leisurely'.
Choose the best sentence:
'~ta hou ga ii desu yo' is the standard polite way to give advice.
A: {仕事|しごと}が{忙|いそが}しくて、いつも5{分|ふん}でごはんを{食|た}べちゃうんだ。 B: それはよくないよ。もっと________________。
B is giving friendly advice to A.
Situation: You are at a very formal traditional Japanese inn (Ryokan).
This is the highest level of honorific speech (Keigo) suitable for a Ryokan.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsThe phrase itself is neutral. To make it formal, use 'yukkuri tabete kudasai' or the honorific 'go-yukkuri meshiagatte kudasai'.
Yes! You can say 'yukkuri hanasu' (speak slowly), 'yukkuri aruku' (walk slowly), or 'yukkuri yasumu' (rest well).
'Yukkuri' means slowly. 'Soro-soro' means 'gradually' or 'it's about time to...'. They are not related in meaning.
It's close, but 'ajiwatte taberu' is the specific word for savoring flavor. 'Yukkuri' is more about the pace.
In some contexts like ramen shops, it's normal. In formal dinners or home settings, eating too fast can seem like you don't appreciate the food.
Related Phrases
{味|あじ}わって{食|た}べる
similarTo savor the food while eating.
よく{噛|か}んで{食|た}べる
specialized formTo chew well while eating.
{急|いそ}いで{食|た}べる
contrastTo eat hurriedly.
{時間|じかん}をかけて{食|た}べる
synonymTo spend time eating.
がっつく
contrastTo devour greedily/bolt food.
