How to Say ‘I speak slowly.’ in Japanese
ゆっくり話します。
yukkuri hanashi masu
[yook-koo-ree hah-nah-shee mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: Interview-ready phrase. You can add: [相手に合わせて] (matching the other person).
🇯🇵 In Japan: Adjusting speed shows “person-centered care,” which is a key idea in Japanese介護.
Phrase Breakdown
ゆっくり
yukkuri
[yook-koo-ree]
slowly; calmly
Sets the pace as calm and considerate; good to mention for elderly care communication.
私は利用者様にゆっくり話します。
I speak slowly to residents.
話し
hanashi
[hah-nah-shee]
speak (stem, as in 話します)
Stem used to form the polite verb; in interviews you can describe how you speak in the workplace.
私は相手の目を見てゆっくり話します。
I look at the other person and speak slowly.
ます
masu
[mahss]
(polite verb ending)
Polite ending; makes the statement appropriate for interviews and professional settings.
私は緊張してもゆっくり話します。
Even when I’m nervous, I speak slowly.
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