Lost in Seoul’s Speed? Say This!
Hello! It’s your favorite Korean booster, Daily Korean, here to upgrade your language skills!
Ever felt like you’re trying to drink water from a firehose when listening to a native Korean speaker? You’re not alone! Today, we’re going to learn a magical phrase that will help you slow things down, especially when you’re lost and asking for directions.
You might have heard of Korea’s famous “ppalli-ppalli” (빨리빨리), or “hurry, hurry” culture. It’s why the internet is lightning-fast and food delivery arrives in a flash! But sometimes, that speed finds its way into conversations. Don’t worry! After this lesson, you’ll be able to confidently ask anyone to slow down. Let’s get started!
Your Lifesaving Phrases
Here are the key expressions you need to master when conversations get too fast.
- 한국어 표현: 천천히 말해주세요.
- 발음 [Romanization]: Cheon-cheon-hi mal-hae-ju-se-yo.
- 영어 뜻: Please speak slowly.
- 상세 설명: This is your golden phrase! It’s polite, direct, and can be used with anyone, from a helpful stranger on the street to a shopkeeper. It literally breaks down to 천천히 (slowly) + 말해 (speak) + 주세요 (please do for me). It’s a must-know for every beginner.
- 한국어 표현: 다시 한번 말해주세요.
- 발음 [Romanization]: Da-si han-beon mal-hae-ju-se-yo.
- 영어 뜻: Please say it one more time.
- 상세 설명: What if you heard it, but didn’t quite catch it? This is the perfect follow-up! 다시 (again) + 한번 (one time) makes your request super clear and polite.
- 한국어 표현: 잘 못 들었어요.
- 발음 [Romanization]: Jal mot deul-eo-sseo-yo.
- 영어 뜻: I couldn’t hear/catch that well.
- 상세 설명: This is a great way to explain why you’re asking them to repeat. It shows you were listening but just missed the details. Using this before “천천히 말해주세요” sounds very natural and polite.
Let’s See It in Action! (Example Dialogue)
Imagine you’re in Seoul, looking for a trendy cafe you saw in the latest K-drama, “Lovely Runner”.
A: Tourist (You!)
B: Kind Local
- A: 실례합니다. ‘몽테드’ 카페 어디에 있어요?
(Sillyehamnida. ‘Montaedeu’ kape eodie isseoyo?)
Excuse me. Where is the ‘Montaede’ cafe? -
B: 아, 저기 큰길에서 왼쪽으로 꺾어서 두블록직진하면 바로있어요!
(A, jeogi keungil-eseo oenjjok-euro kkeokkeoseo dubullokjikjinhamyeon baroisseoyo!)
Ah, turn left at the main road over there and go straight for two blocks, it’s right there! (Said very quickly!) -
A: 죄송해요. 잘 못 들었어요. 천천히 말해주세요.
(Joesonghaeyo. Jal mot deureosseoyo. Cheoncheonhi malhaejuseyo.)
*I’m sorry. I didn’t catch that well. Please speak slowly. -
B: 아, 네. 저-기-에-서 왼쪽. 그리고 직진하세요.
(A, ne. Jeo-gi-e-seo oen-jjok. Geurigo jikjin-haseyo.)
Oh, okay. Over… there… turn left. And go straight. -
A: 감사합니다!
(Gamsahamnida!)
Thank you!
See? Easy and effective!
Culture Tip: Embrace the “Ppalli-Ppalli” but Don’t Fear It!
The “ppalli-ppalli” culture isn’t about being rude; it’s about efficiency! Koreans are proud of getting things done quickly. But they are also incredibly kind and understanding, especially to foreigners learning their language.
When you use “천천히 말해주세요,” you’re not being difficult. You’re showing that you are genuinely trying to understand and communicate. People will almost always smile and happily slow down for you. You might even see this phrase used on popular Korean variety shows when a foreign guest is trying to understand a fast-paced game. It’s a completely normal and useful tool for communication!
Time to Practice!
You did an amazing job today! Let’s see what you’ve learned.
- Fill in the blank: You didn’t understand the directions. You want the person to say it one more time.
“_______ _______ 말해주세요.” -
Challenge: A friend is telling you an exciting story very, very fast. What’s a simple, polite way to ask them to slow down?
Leave your answers in the comments below using the phrases we learned today! You’ve got this. 파이팅 (Fighting)
