What it means
천천히 means slowly, 말해 is a form of 말하다 (to speak), and 주세요 makes it a polite request. Use it when someone speaks too fast.
Nuance & when to use
주세요 is a polite request particle. This pattern works with any verb: 천천히 읽어 주세요 (please read slowly), 크게 말해 주세요 (please speak louder).
⚠ Common mistake
Saying 천천히 말해요 without 주세요 is less polite — it sounds like a statement, not a request. Always add 주세요 for requests.
Example sentences
죄송한데, 천천히 말해 주세요.
Joesonghande, cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo.
I'm sorry, please speak slowly.
한국어를 배우고 있어서 천천히 말해 주세요.
Hangugeo-reul baeugo isseoseo cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo.
I'm learning Korean, so please speak slowly.
조금 더 천천히 말해 주실 수 있어요?
Jogeum deo cheoncheonhi malhae jusil su isseoyo?
Could you speak a bit more slowly?
천천히 말해 주세요. 메모할게요.
Cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo. Memohalkkeyo.
Please speak slowly. I'll take notes.
See also
다시 말해 주세요
조금 더 크게 말해 주세요
-아/어 주세요
FAQ
When is this used?
주세요 is a polite request particle. This pattern works with any verb: 천천히 읽어 주세요 (please read slowly), 크게 말해 주세요 (please speak louder).
What's a common mistake?
Saying 천천히 말해요 without 주세요 is less polite — it sounds like a statement, not a request. Always add 주세요 for requests.
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