Meaning and Usage
The adverb '천천히' means 'slowly' or 'gradually' and is used to describe actions done at a relaxed or unhurried pace. It is common in everyday conversation and polite speech.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '천천히' when someone wants to emphasize taking time, such as walking, speaking, or thinking. It can be used to reassure someone that there is no need to rush.
Collocations and Patterns
- 천천히 걷다: to walk slowly
- 천천히 말하다: to speak slowly
- 천천히 생각하다: to think slowly
These collocations highlight the typical verbs paired with '천천히' to express doing something at a slow pace.
Register and Politeness
'천천히' is neutral and polite enough for formal and informal situations. It is often combined with polite endings like '-세요' to make requests or suggestions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '천천히' with '느리게' which also means 'slowly' but is more about speed and can sound more mechanical. '천천히' is more natural for everyday speech and implies a gentle, relaxed pace.