When someone speaks too fast — market shopkeeper, taxi driver, friend sharing a story. Koreans understand and slow down patiently.
천천히 말해주세요 (cheoncheonhi malhaejuseyo) = polite standard. 조금만 천천히 말해 주세요 (jogeumman cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo) = softer, more humble. 천천히 말해 (cheoncheonhi malhae) = casual with friends.
They will say 다시 말할게요 (dasi malhalgeyo) = I'll say it again, or 천천히 설명할게요 (cheoncheonhi seolmyeonghalgeyo) = I'll explain slowly.
천천히 말해주세요 (cheoncheonhi malhaejuseyo) means "Please speak slowly." 천천히 (cheoncheonhi) = slowly + 말해주세요 (malhaejuseyo) = please speak → 천천히 말해주세요 (cheoncheonhi malhaejuseyo). Most practical phrase for learners.
1. Fast speech: Market, taxi driver speaks too fast.
2. Learning: Can't understand, need slower speech.
3. Polite request: Shows you want to understand.
Please speak slowly. I don't understand.
Could you speak a little more slowly?
Speak slowly. Too fast. (Casual)
I'll say it again.
• 다시 말해주세요 (dasi malhaejuseyo) - Please say it again
• 천천히 설명할게요 (cheoncheonhi seolmyeonghalgeyo) - I'll explain slowly
• 조금만 천천히 (jogeumman cheoncheonhi) - Just a little slowly