천천히
cheoncheonhi[ˈt͡ɕʰɘ(ː)ɲt͡ɕʰʌ̹nʝi]
The English word 'slowly' can be translated into Korean as 천천히 (cheoncheonhi) or 느리게.
Meaning: at a slow pace (adv)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 천천히 | cheoncheonhi | [ˈt͡ɕʰɘ(ː)ɲt͡ɕʰʌ̹nʝi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 느리게 | neurige |
Both terms mean 'at a slow pace', but they are used in different contexts. 천천히 is typically used when describing a deliberate, relaxed or careful pace, such as when walking or eating. 느리게 is typically used to describe a low speed or a lack of velocity, often in a more objective or physical sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 느리게 is an adverb created by adding the adverbial suffix –게 to the adjective 느리다 (to be slow).
How do you pronounce it?
cheoncheonhi
Did you know?
- While 느리게 describes speed, saying 느리게 to a person might sound like you are critiquing their efficiency or capability rather than just their pace.
- The word 천천히 is an example of a reduplicated word, where the root 천천 is repeated to emphasize a steady and relaxed state.
- The word 천천히 first appeared in written records around the year 1600 in a diary called the 계축일기, spelled as 쳔쳔이.
Examples in context
- 자동차가 천천히 따라오는 것 같은 느낌이 든다.I think that that car is slowly following us.This sentence shows how to use 천천히 to describe a car following at a certain pace.Tatoeba #13248449 by qiwiwi, translation #1487419 by marshmallowcat
- 천천히 걸어.Walk slowly.This sentence provides a command to walk using 천천히.Tatoeba #8358321 by Eunhee, translation #30117 by CK
- 천천히 먹어.Eat slowly.This sentence provides a command to eat using 천천히.Tatoeba #8368219 by Eunhee, translation #1495917 by CK
- 다음번에는 천천히 놀자.Let's take it slowly next time.
- 천천히 행복의 순간을 즐기세요.Enjoy the moments of happiness slowly.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are walking through a park.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 너무 빨라요.Seoyeon ssi, neomu ppallayo.Seoyeon, you are too fast.
- 서연 Seo-yeon미안해요, 지훈 씨. 천천히 걸을게요.Mianhaeyo, Jihoon ssi. cheoncheonhi georeulgeyo.I'm sorry, Jihoon. I will walk slowly.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 이제 괜찮아요.Ne, ije gwaenchanayo.Yes, it's fine now.
- 서연 Seo-yeon풍경을 구경하며 천천히 가요.punggyeongeul gugyeonghamyeo cheoncheonhi gayo.Let's go slowly while looking at the scenery.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slowly” translations and entries 천천히, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 천천히, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
