Translation guide
Expresses doing something in a relaxed, slow, or deliberate manner without rushing.
Describing an action done without haste, calmly and at a comfortable pace.
The most common and versatile adverb for doing something slowly or at a relaxed pace. Suitable for most everyday situations.
Emphasizing that an action is done carefully and without rushing, often to avoid mistakes.
Literally 'without panicking', used to advise someone to take their time and not rush. Common in instructions or encouragement.
慌てずに、ゆっくりやってください。
Take your time and do it carefully.
Specifically for walking, driving, or traveling without rushing.
ゆっくり is the most general 'slowly'. のんびり emphasizes a carefree, relaxed feeling. ゆったり implies comfort and spaciousness, often for physical space or schedules.
There is no single Japanese adverb that directly corresponds to 'unhurriedly' in all contexts. Use ゆっくり or other adverbs depending on the nuance. Translating word-for-word often sounds unnatural.
彼女は公園をゆっくり歩いた。
She walked unhurriedly through the park.
彼は慌てずに、言葉を選びながら答えた。
He answered unhurriedly, choosing his words carefully.
ゆっくり話してください。
Please speak slowly.
休日はゆっくり過ごしたい。
I want to spend my day off relaxing.
Implies a carefree, leisurely pace, often with a sense of enjoying the moment. Commonly used for vacations or relaxed activities.
温泉でのんびりしたい。
I want to relax at a hot spring.
彼はのんびりした性格だ。
He has a laid-back personality.
Suggests a comfortable, unhurried pace with a sense of spaciousness or ease. Often used for clothing, rooms, or relaxed schedules.
ゆったりとしたソファに座る。
Sit on a spacious, comfortable sofa.
ゆったりしたスケジュールで旅行する。
Travel with a relaxed schedule.
Casual, onomatopoeic word for doing something loosely or slowly. Can also mean 'loose' in fit. Use in informal contexts.
今日はゆるゆる過ごそう。
Let's take it easy today.
It's important to act without rushing.
Means 'without hurrying'. Similar to 慌てずに but focuses more on the absence of speed rather than panic.
急がずに、確実に進めよう。
Let's proceed steadily without rushing.
Means 'without getting impatient'. Used when someone might feel pressured to hurry.
焦らずに、一歩ずつ進もう。
Let's take it one step at a time without getting impatient.
Works for any movement: walking, driving, etc. 'ゆっくり歩く' means 'walk slowly'.
ゆっくり運転してください。
Please drive slowly.
Onomatopoeia for moving very slowly, often with a negative nuance of sluggishness. Use for traffic jams or slow progress.
車がのろのろ進んでいる。
The cars are moving at a crawl.