The adjective means slowly, unhurriedly.
It’s often used when telling someone to take their time, not rush, or do something carefully.
Example Sentences
천천히 걸으세요. → Please walk slowly.
밥은 천천히 먹어야 건강에 좋아요. → It’s good for your health to eat slowly.
천천히 말해 주세요. → Please speak slowly. (Often used by learners of Korean!)
결정은 천천히 해도 돼요. → You can make the decision slowly (take your time).
천천히 해, 괜찮아. → Do it slowly, it’s okay. (Encouraging someone not to rush)
천천히 isn’t just about speed — it also conveys patience, care, and relaxation.
It’s commonly used in everyday speech to reassure someone or to emphasize carefulness.
Idiomatic / Figurative Uses of 천천히
While 천천히 literally means “slowly,” Koreans also use it figuratively to mean “take it easy” or “don’t rush life.”
천천히 해도 늦지 않아. → Even if you do it slowly, it’s not too late. (Encouragement to avoid rushing decisions)
천천히 가는 게 더 빨라. → Going slowly is actually faster. (Proverb-like saying: careful, steady work avoids mistakes and saves time)
천천히 가도 결국 도착한다. → Even if you go slowly, you’ll arrive eventually. (Life lesson: persistence matters more than speed)
천천히 즐겨. → Enjoy it slowly. (Encouragement to savor experiences, not rush through them)
Cultural Note
In Korean culture, 천천히 often carries a warm, reassuring tone. It’s not just about speed — it’s about patience, care, and mindfulness. So when someone says “천천히 해,” they’re not criticizing you for being slow; they’re telling you it’s okay to relax and not pressure yourself.