Meaning
A request to ask someone to articulate words at a slower pace.
Cultural Background
In Korea, the 'pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture is real. Asking someone to slow down is a polite way to challenge this norm. In a professional setting, using '말씀해 주세요' instead of '말해 주세요' is highly recommended to show respect. Teachers in Korea expect students to ask for clarification. It is seen as a sign of diligence.
Use a Smile
Always smile when asking. It shows you are friendly and not frustrated.
Don't Overuse
If you ask every 5 seconds, the conversation will stop. Try to catch keywords instead.
Meaning
A request to ask someone to articulate words at a slower pace.
Use a Smile
Always smile when asking. It shows you are friendly and not frustrated.
Don't Overuse
If you ask every 5 seconds, the conversation will stop. Try to catch keywords instead.
Combine Phrases
Try '죄송합니다, 잘 못 들었어요. 천천히 말해주세요.' for a natural flow.
Test Yourself
Which is the most polite way to ask a stranger to speak slowly?
Choose the best option:
The '-주세요' ending is the standard polite form for requests.
Fill in the blank to make the request softer.
_____ 천천히 말해주세요.
'조금만' means 'a little bit', which softens the request.
Match the register to the phrase.
Match: A) Formal, B) Informal
Adding '말씀' makes it honorific.
Complete the dialogue.
Speaker A: (Speaking very fast) ... Speaker B: 죄송합니다, _____.
This is the correct phrase to ask for a slower pace.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChoose the best option:
The '-주세요' ending is the standard polite form for requests.
_____ 천천히 말해주세요.
'조금만' means 'a little bit', which softens the request.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Adding '말씀' makes it honorific.
Speaker A: (Speaking very fast) ... Speaker B: 죄송합니다, _____.
This is the correct phrase to ask for a slower pace.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it is very polite and shows you are interested in the conversation.
Yes, but use '말씀해 주세요' to be extra polite.
It comes from the verb '하다' (to do).
No, it can describe walking, eating, or working.
Try asking '다시 한번만 더 말해주세요' (Please say it one more time).
Yes, it is used whenever a character is confused by another's fast explanation.
Related Phrases
다시 한번 말해주세요
similarPlease say it again.
이해가 안 돼요
builds onI don't understand.
천천히 하세요
contrastTake your time.
