How to Say “Slowly” in Japanese
Learning Japanese can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One common phrase that many learners encounter is how to express the word “slowly” in Japanese. Whether you’re trying to communicate with a native speaker or simply want to expand your vocabulary, knowing how to say “slowly” in Japanese is a valuable skill. In this article, we’ll explore different ways to convey the concept of “slowly” in Japanese, including common phrases and their usage.
Expressing “Slowly” in Japanese: The Basics
The most straightforward way to say “slowly” in Japanese is by using the phrase “ゆっくり” (yukkuri). This word is often used when asking someone to speak or move more slowly. For example, if you want to ask someone to speak more slowly, you can say “ゆっくり話してくれ” (yukkuri hanashite kure), which translates to “Speak slowly, please.”
Another way to express “slowly” is by using the verb “遅く” (osoku), which means “slow” or “late.” When combined with the particle “に” (ni), it can be used to convey the meaning of “slowly.” For instance, “遅くする” (osoku suru) means “to do something slowly.” If you want to say “I’m walking slowly,” you can say “ゆっくり歩く” (yukkuri aruku).
Using “Slowly” in Different Contexts
Understanding how to say “slowly” in Japanese is essential in various contexts. Here are some examples of how you can use this phrase in different situations:
1. Communication: When you want to ask someone to speak or move more slowly, you can use “ゆっくり” (yukkuri) or “遅くする” (osoku suru).
2. Instructions: If you’re giving someone instructions on how to perform a task, you can say “ゆっくりやる” (yukkuri yarau), which means “do it slowly.”
3. Advice: When offering advice, you can say “ゆっくり考えろ” (yukkuri kangaero), which translates to “Think about it slowly.”
Practical Examples
Here are some practical examples of how to use “slowly” in Japanese:
1. “Can you speak more slowly?” – “ゆっくり話してくれ” (yukkuri hanashite kure)
2. “I’m walking slowly.” – “ゆっくり歩く” (yukkuri aruku)
3. “Please write down the instructions slowly.” – “ゆっくり説明してくれ” (yukkuri setsumei shite kure)
4. “Think about the decision slowly.” – “ゆっくり考えろ” (yukkuri kangaero)
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “slowly” in Japanese is a useful skill that can enhance your communication with native speakers. By using phrases like “ゆっくり” (yukkuri) and “遅くする” (osoku suru), you can effectively convey the concept of “slowly” in various contexts. Practice these phrases and incorporate them into your daily conversations to improve your Japanese language skills.
