Entry
ゆっくり
yukkuri
ゆっくり describes taking one's time, moving without haste, or being in a state of comfortable relaxation.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word broadly applies to actions done at a slow pace, as well as states of having plenty of time, resting well, or feeling relaxed without feeling rushed.
- moving or acting slowly
- relaxing and resting
- having ample time
Sense Map
Moving slowly
Doing an action at a slow, unhurried pace.
ゆっくり歩く。
Relaxing
Resting, taking it easy, or making oneself at home.
家でゆっくりする。
Ample or sufficient
Having plenty of time or fully enjoying something like sleep.
ゆっくり休む。
Usage Note
How to Use
ゆっくり + verb
Acts as an adverb to describe doing an action slowly or unhurriedly.
ゆっくりと + verb
Similar to the form without the to particle, but adds a slightly softer, more deliberate feeling to the slow action.
ゆっくりする
Functions as a verb meaning to relax, take it easy, or rest.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ゆっくり歩く
to walk slowly
ゆっくり話す
to speak slowly
ゆっくり休む
to rest well
ゆっくりする
to relax
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Giving instructions | neutral | Used to tell someone not to rush, such as asking someone to speak more slowly. |
| Resting and wellbeing | positive | Describes getting a good night's sleep or having a relaxing weekend. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
じっくり じっくり / nearby | Use じっくり when taking time to do something deliberately, carefully, and thoroughly, like thinking or cooking. | ゆっくり just means doing something without speed or haste, while じっくり focuses on the depth of concentration and care put into the action. | じっくり考える。 |
たっぷり たっぷり / nearby | Use たっぷり to describe an abundant physical quantity, volume, or having plenty of something. | While ゆっくり can mean having plenty of time to rest, たっぷり focuses directly on the large quantity or volume of something. | たっぷり寝る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ゆっくり as an adjective to describe slow things, like ゆっくりな電車 (a slow train).
Use the adjective 遅い (osoi) to describe things that are slow in speed. ゆっくり is used for how an action is performed.
Translating ゆっくりして only as do it slowly.
It often means please relax or make yourself at home when used as a greeting or offer to guests.
Examples
Examples
おじいさんがゆっくりと道を歩いている。
おじいさんがゆっくりとみちをあるいている。
The old man is walking slowly down the street.
VisualUsed for physical speed.
日本語がまだ上手ではないので、もう少しゆっくり話してください。
にほんごがまだじょうずではないので、もうすこしゆっくりはなしてください。
My Japanese is not very good yet, so please speak a little more slowly.
LiteralA common request to not rush.
週末は家で映画を見て、ゆっくりしました。
しゅうまつはいえでえいがをみて、ゆっくりしました。
I relaxed at home over the weekend by watching movies.
FigurativeMeans enjoying time without stress.
風邪を引いた時は、温かいものを食べてゆっくり休むのが一番です。
かぜをひいたときは、あたたかいものをたべてゆっくりやすむのがいちばんです。
When you catch a cold, it's best to eat something warm and get plenty of rest.
LiteralHere it means sufficient sleep or rest.
朝はコーヒーを飲みながら、ゆっくり新聞を読みます。
あさはこーひーをのみながら、ゆっくりしんぶんをよみます。
In the morning, I take my time reading the newspaper while drinking coffee.
FigurativeShows a state without time pressure.
Similar Words
Questions
Can ゆっくり mean late?
No, ゆっくり means slow in pace or relaxing. For late, use the adjective 遅い (osoi).
How do I say please speak slowly?
You can say もう少しゆっくり話してください (mou sukoshi yukkuri hanashite kudasai).
What does ゆっくりしていって mean?
It means please take your time and relax before you go, often said to guests visiting your home.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1013050
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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