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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Slowly" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "slowly", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

ゆっくり

ゆっくり (yukkuri)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

やおら

やおら (yaora)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "slowly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ゆっくり and やおら. In Japanese, ゆっくり (ゆっくり (yukkuri)) is typically associated with "slowly, leisurely" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Adverb. Indicates an action is performed at a slow pace or in a relaxed manner. Can also be used to tell someone to take their time.. On the other hand, やおら (やおら (yaora)) maps to "slowly, deliberately, gently, cautiously (starts an action)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes starting an action slowly and calmly, often with a sense of deliberation or quiet preparation. It implies a gradual, unhurried movement.. A literal translation of "slowly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ゆっくり"
もっとゆっくり話してください。
Please speak more slowly.
Bilingual Context for "やおら"
彼はやおら立ち上がり、窓の外を見た。
He slowly stood up and looked out the window.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "もっと ___ 話してください。" (Meaning: "Please speak more slowly.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "ゆっくり" fits here because it means "slowly, leisurely" in the context of: "Please speak more slowly.". "やおら" represents "slowly, deliberately, gently, cautiously (starts an action)".

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