천천히 하세요
cheoncheonhi haseyo
The English phrase "take your time" is translated into Korean as 천천히 하세요 (cheoncheonhi haseyo).
The phrase is used to tell someone that they do not need to hurry, effectively telling them to take it slowly or do something at their own pace.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 천천히 means "slowly".
How do you pronounce it?
cheoncheonhi haseyo
Did you know?
- In a restaurant or shop, saying 천천히 하세요 to a worker might actually sound like you are telling them to work more slowly, which could be misinterpreted as a critique of their speed.
- In a fast-paced culture known as 'palli palli' (hurry hurry), using 천천히 하세요 is a significant social marker of patience and kindness.
- The adverb 천천히 first appeared in written form around the year 1600 in the Gyechuk ilgi, a diary written during the Imjin War era.
Examples in context
- 천천히 하세요.cheoncheonhi haseyo.Take your time.
- 서두르지 말고 천천히 하세요.seodureuji malgo cheoncheonhi haseyo.Don't rush and take your time.
- 준비가 다 될 때까지 천천히 하세요.junbiga da doel ttaekkaji cheoncheonhi haseyo.Take your time until everything is ready.
Example conversation
Minjun is waiting for Jieun to finish her work at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 아직 많이 남았어요?Jieun ssi, ajik mani namasseoyo?Jieun, do you have a lot left to do?
- 지은 Ji-eun조금만 더 하면 돼요. 미안해요.Jogeumman deo hamyeon dwaeyo. Mianhaeyo.I just need a little more time. I'm sorry.
- 민준 Min-jun괜찮아요. 천천히 하세요.Gwaenchanayo. Cheoncheonhi haseyo.It's okay. Take your time.
- 지은 Ji-eun배려해 줘서 고마워요, 민준 씨.Baeryeohae jwoseo gomawoyo, Minjun ssi.Thank you for being considerate, Minjun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 천천히, 하세요, CC BY-SA 4.0.
