Slow down and take your time to enjoy the moment.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe slow movement or speed.
- Indicates a relaxed, unhurried state of mind.
- Commonly used to show consideration for others.
概要
「ゆっくり」は、速度が遅いことや、急いでいない状態、あるいは心に余裕がある状態を指す非常に汎用性の高い言葉です。物理的なスピードだけでなく、精神的なリラックスや、丁寧な時間の使い方まで幅広くカバーします。2) 使用パターン: 基本的には動詞を修飾します。「ゆっくり歩く」「ゆっくり話す」「ゆっくり休む」のように、動作の質を緩やかにする役割を果たします。また、相手を気遣う際にも使われます。3) 一般的な文脈: 日常会話で最も頻繁に使われます。例えば、食事の時、休息の時、あるいは相手に急かさないように配慮する時などです。ビジネスシーンでは、より丁寧な「ゆっくりと」という形が好まれることもあります。4) 類語との比較: 「のんびり」は、特に精神的なリラックスや、のどかな雰囲気を強調します。「じっくり」は、時間をかけて物事を深く考えたり、丁寧に行ったりするニュアンスが強く、単に速度が遅いだけではない「深さ」が含まれます。「ゆっくり」はこれらの中間的な位置にあり、最も広く使える万能な表現です。
Examples
ゆっくり歩きましょう。
everydayLet's walk slowly.
ごゆっくりおくつろぎください。
formalPlease relax and make yourself at home.
昨日はゆっくり休んだ。
informalI rested well yesterday.
ゆっくりと時間をかけて議論する。
academicWe will discuss it carefully over time.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ゆっくりしていってね
Please stay and relax.
ゆっくりでいいよ
Take your time.
ゆっくり話してください
Please speak slowly.
Often Confused With
Focuses more on a carefree, relaxed mindset rather than just the physical speed of an action.
Implies doing something thoroughly and with deep concentration, often over a long period.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Yukkuri is versatile and can be used in almost any social situation. When speaking to superiors, use 'go-yukkuri' to show respect. It is widely used to express concern for someone's well-being.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'yukkuri' when they mean 'carefully' (chanto). While they overlap, 'yukkuri' specifically refers to speed or pace. Do not use it if the task requires precision rather than time.
Tips
Use for polite requests
When asking someone to relax or take their time, adding 'go' makes it polite. Use 'Go-yukkuri kudasai' to sound considerate.
Avoid in urgent situations
Using 'yukkuri' during an emergency can sound insensitive. Use 'hayaku' (quickly) instead when speed is essential.
The importance of pace
Japanese culture values 'yoyuu' (mental space). Using 'yukkuri' shows that you respect someone's personal time and comfort.
Word Origin
Derived from the adjective 'yurui' (loose/slack), implying a lack of tension or speed. Over time, it evolved into the adverbial form used today.
Cultural Context
The Japanese concept of 'yukkuri' reflects the cultural value of not being overly rushed. It is a polite way to tell others not to worry about time constraints.
Memory Tip
Think of a turtle moving 'yukkuri'. It is slow but steady and relaxed.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions「ゆっくり」は速度や時間の経過に重点がありますが、「のんびり」は心持ちや雰囲気に重点があります。「のんびり」は休暇中など、特に何もせずリラックスしている状態を指すことが多いです。
目上の人に対しては「ごゆっくりお過ごしください」と言うのが適切です。単に「ゆっくりしてください」と言うと、少しカジュアルすぎる印象を与える可能性があります。
いいえ、基本的には副詞として使います。「ゆっくりな時間」のように形容動詞的に使うこともありますが、副詞としての用法が圧倒的に一般的です。
Test Yourself
忙しいので、もう少し___歩いてください。
歩く速度については「ゆっくり」が最も自然です。
Score: /1
Summary
Slow down and take your time to enjoy the moment.
- Used to describe slow movement or speed.
- Indicates a relaxed, unhurried state of mind.
- Commonly used to show consideration for others.
Use for polite requests
When asking someone to relax or take their time, adding 'go' makes it polite. Use 'Go-yukkuri kudasai' to sound considerate.
Avoid in urgent situations
Using 'yukkuri' during an emergency can sound insensitive. Use 'hayaku' (quickly) instead when speed is essential.
The importance of pace
Japanese culture values 'yoyuu' (mental space). Using 'yukkuri' shows that you respect someone's personal time and comfort.
Examples
4 of 4ゆっくり歩きましょう。
Let's walk slowly.
ごゆっくりおくつろぎください。
Please relax and make yourself at home.
昨日はゆっくり休んだ。
I rested well yesterday.
ゆっくりと時間をかけて議論する。
We will discuss it carefully over time.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
