Meaning
Requesting someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Cultural Background
The 'Pali-pali' culture means speed is often prioritized. Asking someone to slow down is a common and accepted part of the learning process for foreigners. In Korean companies, hierarchy dictates speech. If a boss speaks too fast, a subordinate might use '말씀' and a bowing gesture to be extra polite. Korean teachers (Seonsaengnim) are highly respected. Using the '-세요' ending is mandatory when asking them to slow down. In KakaoTalk, people often use abbreviations. You might see '천천히' written as 'ㅊㅊㅎ' in very casual settings, though rare.
Use your hands
Pair the phrase with a 'slow down' hand gesture (palms facing down, moving up and down) to be understood even better.
Don't forget '요'
Always include '요' at the end unless you are 100% sure you are in a casual 'Banmal' situation.
Meaning
Requesting someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Use your hands
Pair the phrase with a 'slow down' hand gesture (palms facing down, moving up and down) to be understood even better.
Don't forget '요'
Always include '요' at the end unless you are 100% sure you are in a casual 'Banmal' situation.
Smile while saying it
A smile makes the request sound like a friendly plea for help rather than a criticism of their speech speed.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing adverb to ask the person to speak slowly.
죄송합니다. (______) 말해주세요.
'천천히' means slowly. '빨리' is fast, '크게' is loudly, and '많이' is a lot.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a teacher to slow down?
선생님, ...
'말씀' is the honorific form of '말', making it the most respectful choice for a teacher.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 한국말이 너무 빨라요? B: 네, (_________________).
If the speech is too fast (너무 빨라요), the logical request is to speak slowly.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are talking to a close friend who is speaking too fast.
The '-줘' ending is the informal (Banmal) version used with close friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises죄송합니다. (______) 말해주세요.
'천천히' means slowly. '빨리' is fast, '크게' is loudly, and '많이' is a lot.
선생님, ...
'말씀' is the honorific form of '말', making it the most respectful choice for a teacher.
A: 한국말이 너무 빨라요? B: 네, (_________________).
If the speech is too fast (너무 빨라요), the logical request is to speak slowly.
You are talking to a close friend who is speaking too fast.
The '-줘' ending is the informal (Banmal) version used with close friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's actually considered polite because it shows you are trying hard to understand them.
Yes, but use the honorific version: '천천히 말씀해 주세요'.
You can say '조금만 더 천천히 말해주세요' (Please speak just a little MORE slowly).
'천천히' is the natural choice for speech and actions; '느리게' is more about physical velocity.
Use '천천히 말씀해 주시겠습니까?'
If you are the same age and have agreed to speak casually, yes!
It turns the verb into a request for a favor, literally 'Give me the act of speaking slowly'.
In an emergency or very casual setting, yes, but it sounds like a command 'Slowly!'
No, it's specifically for spoken communication.
Confusing it with '조용히 하세요' (Be quiet).
Related Phrases
다시 말해주세요
similarPlease say it again.
크게 말해주세요
similarPlease speak loudly.
조금만 천천히
specialized formJust a little slowly.
써 주세요
builds onPlease write it down.
이해 못 했어요
contrastI didn't understand.
