Korean Dictionary
How to say "Take it slow" in Korean
“Take it slow” in Korean is 천천히 해요 (pronounced "Cheoncheonhi haeyo").
천천히 해요
Cheoncheonhi haeyo
Usage & Context
Encouraging someone not to rush. 서두르지 마세요 (don't rush) conveys a similar message. Very common in service settings and when helping someone learn a new skill. Shows patience and understanding, which are highly valued in Korean culture.
Example Sentence
처음이니까 천천히 해요. 서두르지 않아도 돼요.
Since it's your first time, take it slow. There's no need to rush.
How to use 천천히 해요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Take it slow” is 천천히 해요, romanized as Cheoncheonhi haeyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 천천히 해요.
Pronunciation Guide
천천히 (cheon-cheon-hi): 'Cheon' like 'chun' in 'chunky'. The 'eo' vowel is similar to the 'u' in 'but'. 'Hi' like 'hee' in 'heel'. 해요 (hae-yo): 'Hae' like 'heh' in 'heck'. 'Yo' like 'yoh'. The 'ㅎ' (h) in '히' can sometimes be very light.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
천천히 하십시오
Cheoncheonhi hasipsio
A highly formal imperative, rarely used in daily conversation unless addressing a superior in a very formal or official context.
Casual (반말)
천천히 해
Cheoncheonhi hae
Used with close friends, family, or people younger than you. It's a direct and gentle encouragement.
More Example Sentences
Reassuring someone who feels pressured or is working under a deadline.
급할 거 없어요, 천천히 해요.
There's no need to rush, take it slow.
Encouraging a beginner or someone new to a task to not feel overwhelmed.
처음 배우는 거니까 천천히 해요.
Since you're learning it for the first time, take it slow.
A common health tip or advice given during a meal.
밥은 천천히 먹어야 소화가 잘 돼요.
You should eat slowly for good digestion.
Cultural Context
'천천히 해요' reflects a cultural emphasis on patience and thoroughness, especially when learning or performing tasks. It's a kind and encouraging phrase, often used by teachers, mentors, or even service staff (e.g., '천천히 고르세요' - Please choose slowly). In a fast-paced society, this phrase serves as a gentle reminder to not overexert oneself or to take the necessary time to do things properly. It conveys understanding and support.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 천천히 해요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
천천히 드세요.
Please eat slowly/enjoy your meal.
천천히 오세요.
Take your time coming.
천천히 말해주세요.
Please speak slowly.
Related Expressions
서두르지 마세요
Seodureuji maseyo
Don't rush
느리게
Neurige
Slowly (adverb)
빨리
Ppalli
Quickly (antonym)
여유를 가지다
Yeoyureul gajida
To take one's time, have leisure/room
More Greetings Words
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