In this speaking workshop, you will practice short Korean phrases for telling someone to take their time, saying there is no rush, and responding politely when someone is not ready. You will read both roles aloud, check your understanding with a short choice task, and then recall the phrases with the correct roles. The recordings give you clear native models to copy.
Useful Phrases for Slowing Down
These short expressions help you tell someone not to hurry. «천천히 하세요.» means "Take your time" or "Do it slowly." «급하지 않아요.» means "There's no rush" or "I'm not in a hurry." «천천히 하셔도 돼요.» means "You can take your time" or "You may do it slowly." «서두르지 마세요.» means "Don't rush." Read each line aloud slowly, then repeat it at a natural speed. Keep your voice calm and relaxed, because these phrases are meant to reduce pressure.
A Short Polite Exchange
This scene has two speakers. Speaker A says «죄송해요, 아직 준비가 안 됐어요.», which means "Sorry, I'm not ready yet." Speaker B answers with «괜찮아요. 급하지 않아요. 천천히 하세요.», which means "It's okay. There's no rush. Take your time." Speaker A then says «네, 감사합니다. 조금만 기다려 주세요.», which means "Okay, thank you. Please wait just a little." Speaker B replies with «네, 천천히 하셔도 돼요.», which means "Okay, you can take your time." Notice that the first line is an apology and explanation, the second line reassures, the third line thanks and asks for a short wait, and the fourth line accepts and reassures again.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
천천히 하세요.
Take your time. / Do it slowly.
cheon-cheon-hi ha-se-yo
급하지 않아요.
There's no rush. / I'm not in a hurry.
geu-pa-ji a-na-yo
천천히 하셔도 돼요.
You can take your time. / You may do it slowly.
cheon-cheon-hi ha-syeo-do dwae-yo
서두르지 마세요.
Don't rush.
seo-du-reu-ji ma-se-yo
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
죄송해요, 아직 준비가 안 됐어요.
Sorry, I'm not ready yet.괜찮아요. 급하지 않아요. 천천히 하세요.
It's okay. There's no rush. Take your time.네, 감사합니다. 조금만 기다려 주세요.
Okay, thank you. Please wait just a little.네, 천천히 하셔도 돼요.
Okay, you can take your time.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Not Ready Yet
Work with a partner or read both roles aloud yourself. One person is Speaker A, who is not ready. The other person is Speaker B, who is patient.
Your task: Read the exchange in order. Speaker A begins with «죄송해요, 아직 준비가 안 됐어요.». Speaker B replies with «괜찮아요. 급하지 않아요. 천천히 하세요.». Speaker A continues with «네, 감사합니다. 조금만 기다려 주세요.». Speaker B finishes with «네, 천천히 하셔도 돼요.». Then swap roles and read the same exchange again in the same order.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Right Response
Read the situation and choose the best reply from the options. This checks whether you understand the meaning of the recorded lines.
Your task: Situation: Speaker A says «죄송해요, 아직 준비가 안 됐어요.», meaning "Sorry, I'm not ready yet." Which reply fits best? Option 1: «괜찮아요. 급하지 않아요. 천천히 하세요.», meaning "It's okay. There's no rush. Take your time." Option 2: «서두르지 마세요.», meaning "Don't rush." Choose one and say it aloud.
Recall with Correct Roles
Cover the lines or look away. Try to remember the exchange from the earlier practice. You can use the recording references to check yourself after speaking.
Your task: Say the four-line exchange from memory. Speaker A starts with the apology and explanation, then Speaker B reassures, then Speaker A thanks and asks for a short wait, then Speaker B accepts and reassures. After you finish, check your lines against «죄송해요, 아직 준비가 안 됐어요.», «괜찮아요. 급하지 않아요. 천천히 하세요.», «네, 감사합니다. 조금만 기다려 주세요.», and «네, 천천히 하셔도 돼요.».
Common questions
Can I practice alone if I do not have a partner?
Yes. You can read both roles aloud yourself. Read Speaker A's lines with a slightly apologetic tone, then read Speaker B's lines with a calm and reassuring tone. You can also play the recordings and repeat after each line.
What should I focus on when I say these phrases?
Focus on a calm, relaxed voice. These phrases are used to reduce pressure, so speaking quickly or sharply can change the feeling. Read each line slowly first, then repeat it at a natural speed while keeping a polite tone.
Sources and further reading
- korean: take your time no rushChecked September 2026
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