천천히 (cheon-cheon-hi, cheoncheonhi) · 천히 (cheon-hi, cheonhi)
Both 천천히 and 천히 mean 'slowly,' but 천천히 is the standard, natural form, while 천히 is mainly colloquial or dialectal.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
An adverb indicating slow speed or relaxed pace
When to use
Standard language, formal context, Written and spoken language, Polite requests or instructions
The nuance
It is the standard form, naturally used in both written and spoken language as a polite expression.
A shortened, non-standard form of 천천히, mainly used colloquially or in dialects
When to use
Colloquial speech, everyday conversation, Dialectal usage, Informal situations
The nuance
Considered non-standard; should be avoided in official documents or formal settings.
천천히 걸어가세요.
cheon-cheon-hi geol-eo-ga-se-yo., cheon cheon hi geol eo ga se yo.
Uses standard 천천히, making a natural and polite command.
천히 걸어가세요.
cheon-hi geol-eo-ga-se-yo., cheon hi geol eo ga se yo.
천히 is non-standard and inappropriate for polite commands; 천천히 should be used.
그는 천천히 말한다.
geu-neun cheon-cheon-hi mal-han-da., geu neun cheon cheon hi mal han da.
Correct and natural sentence using standard 천천히.
그는 천히 말한다.
geu-neun cheon-hi mal-han-da., geu neun cheon hi mal han da.
Non-standard 천히 is unsuitable for formal sentences.
천히 해도 괜찮아.
cheon-hi hae-do gwaen-chan-a., cheon hi hae do gwaen chan a.
천히 can be used colloquially, but 천천히 sounds more natural.
천천히 해도 괜찮아.
cheon-cheon-hi hae-do gwaen-chan-a., cheon cheon hi hae do gwaen chan a.
Standard 천천히 is natural and correct even in casual speech.
선생님, 천천히 설명해 주세요.
seon-saeng-nim, cheon-cheon-hi seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo., seon saeng nim, cheon cheon hi seol myeong hae ju se yo.
Using standard 천천히 is appropriate for polite requests.
선생님, 천히 설명해 주세요.
seon-saeng-nim, cheon-hi seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo., seon saeng nim, cheon hi seol myeong hae ju se yo.
Non-standard 천히 is inappropriate for polite requests.
Which word is appropriate to express 'slowly' in a polite situation?
Which expression sounds natural when telling a friend 'do it slowly' in casual talk?
Which word is suitable for official documents?
