Practical phrase
천천히 말해 주세요: How to Ask Someone to Speak Slowly in Korean
Learn how to say “Please speak slowly” in Korean, pronounce it naturally, and use it politely in everyday conversations.
When Korean feels too fast, this one sentence gives you a little more time: 천천히 말해 주세요 (cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo).
What the phrase means
천천히 means “slowly.” 말해 주세요 means “please speak.” Together, the phrase is a polite and natural request to slow down.
You can use it with a teacher, shop worker, new acquaintance, or anyone speaking politely with you.
How to say it naturally
Break it into three comfortable parts: 천천히 / 말해 / 주세요. Keep a steady rhythm instead of stressing every syllable.
If you understood part of the sentence, you can also ask the person to repeat it.
- 다시 말해 주세요.
- Please say it again.
- 천천히 다시 말해 주세요.
- Please say it again slowly.
A small practice tip
Use the phrase during listening practice instead of switching immediately to English. It keeps the conversation in Korean while making it manageable.