How to Say 'Please Take Your Time' in Chinese: 慢慢来 and 不着急
Learn to say 'take your time' in Mandarin with 慢慢来 and 不着急. Understand when to use each, see a natural dialogue, and practice with real-life examples.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
In Mandarin, the idea of 'take your time' is usually expressed with 慢慢来 (màn màn lái) or 不着急 (bù zháo jí). These phrases are not just translations; they carry a warm, patient tone that puts people at ease. 慢慢来 literally means 'come slowly' and is often used to encourage someone who is rushing or nervous. 不着急 means 'no rush' or 'don't worry' and works well when someone is waiting or under pressure. This lesson will teach you how to use both naturally, distinguish their nuances, and respond appropriately in everyday conversations.
By the end, you can…
- say 'take your time' in Mandarin using 慢慢来 and 不着急.
- use these phrases appropriately in conversations to reassure someone.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
慢慢来。
Take your time.
màn màn lái
Use when encouraging someone to proceed at a comfortable pace, especially if they seem rushed or anxious.
不着急。
No rush. / Take your time.
bù zháo jí
Use to reassure someone that there is no need to hurry, often when they are waiting or under time pressure.
别着急。
Don't worry. / Take it easy.
bié zháo jí
Similar to 不着急 but more direct; use when someone is visibly worried or upset.
慢慢说。
Speak slowly. / Take your time speaking.
màn màn shuō
Use when someone is speaking too fast or struggling to express themselves.
你慢慢来，我等你。
Take your time, I'll wait for you.
nǐ màn màn lái, wǒ děng nǐ
A complete sentence that combines reassurance with patience; use when you are waiting for someone.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
慢慢来 and 不着急 are both fixed expressions, but they fit different situations. 慢慢来 focuses on the manner of doing something: you tell someone to go slowly, step by step. For example, if a friend is learning to write Chinese characters, you can say 慢慢来，写错了没关系 (Take your time, it's okay if you make mistakes). 不着急 focuses on the absence of urgency: you tell someone there is no need to hurry. For instance, if a colleague is preparing a report and seems stressed, you can say 不着急，明天交也可以 (No rush, you can hand it in tomorrow). Note that 不着急 is not typically used as a response to thanks; that would be 不客气 (bù kè qi) or 不用谢 (bù yòng xiè). Both phrases are neutral to polite and can be used with strangers, friends, or superiors. To make them more polite, add 请 (qǐng) before: 请慢慢来 (Please take your time) or 请不着急 (Please don't rush), though 请不着急 is less common than 请慢慢来. In spoken Mandarin, 慢慢来 is often repeated for emphasis: 慢慢来，慢慢来 (Take your time, take your time).
When to use it
Use 慢慢来 when you want to encourage someone to proceed at a relaxed pace, especially if they are doing a task that requires care or if they are nervous. For example, a teacher might say to a student: 慢慢来，先读一遍课文 (Take your time, read the text once first). Use 不着急 when you want to reassure someone that there is no time pressure. For instance, if a friend is late and apologizes, you can say 不着急，我也刚到 (No rush, I just arrived too). In service encounters, such as at a restaurant, a waiter might say 不着急，您慢慢看菜单 (No rush, take your time looking at the menu). Both phrases are appropriate in informal and semi-formal situations. Avoid using them in very formal written contexts; instead, use 请不必着急 (qǐng bù bì zháo jí) or 请慢慢来. Also, note that 不着急 can be used to mean 'not anxious' in general, as in 他不着急找工作 (He is not in a hurry to find a job).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
对不起，我迟到了。
Sorry, I'm late.duì bù qǐ, wǒ chí dào le没关系，不着急。我也刚到。
It's okay, no rush. I just arrived too.méi guān xi, bù zháo jí. wǒ yě gāng dào谢谢你。我们现在走吧。
Thank you. Let's go now.xiè xiè nǐ. wǒ men xiàn zài zǒu ba好，你慢慢来，不着急。
Okay, take your time, no rush.hǎo, nǐ màn màn lái, bù zháo jíA little context goes a long way
In Chinese culture, showing patience and consideration for others' pace is valued. Using 慢慢来 or 不着急 can convey warmth and reduce pressure. However, in formal business settings, it's better to use more formal expressions like 请不必着急. Also, when someone is performing a task for you, saying 慢慢来 can be a polite way to show you are not demanding. Avoid using these phrases sarcastically; they are meant sincerely.
One thing to watch for
Using the farewell 慢走 as a general response when someone needs more time on a task.
Try this instead: 慢慢来 reassures someone to take it steadily and can apply to tasks or careful physical movement. 慢走 is often a polite farewell as someone leaves. For an explicit walking-speed request, 慢点走 says walk a little more slowly.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Your friend is nervous about a presentation. What can you say to reassure them?
Show a sample answer
慢慢来，不着急。
This combines both phrases to encourage them to take their time and not worry. You could also say 别着急，慢慢来.
2A colleague apologizes for being late to a meeting. How do you respond?
Show a sample answer
没关系，不着急。
This means 'It's okay, no rush.' It reassures them that there is no problem. Alternatively, you could say 没事，慢慢来.
3How would you tell someone to speak more slowly because you're having trouble understanding?
Show a sample answer
请慢慢说。
This means 'Please speak slowly.' It is a polite request. You could also say 请说慢一点.
Use 慢慢来 to encourage a relaxed pace and 不着急 to say there's no rush. Both are warm and reassuring, and they work in many everyday situations.
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