Could You Say That Again: What You Need to Know
If someone is speaking too fast, say 천천히 말씀해 주세요 (cheon-cheon-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo) to ask them to slow down. If you still cannot follow, use these Korean phrases: 다시 말씀해 주세요 for “please say that again,” 적어 주세요 for “please write it down,” and 지도로 보여 주세요 for “please show me on the map.”
What to Do First
- Start with 천천히 말씀해 주세요 if the speech is too fast.
- If needed, repeat with 다시 말씀해 주세요.
- Show your phone note or paper and say 적어 주세요.
- Open a map app and say 지도로 보여 주세요.
- Use 모르겠어요 if you need to say you do not understand.
- Finish with 맞아요? to confirm what you heard.
When This Guide Helps
These Korean phrases help when someone speaks too quickly and you need a slower, clearer reply right away. They are especially useful at hotel desks, ticket counters, cafes, convenience stores, stations, and anywhere a short exchange turns confusing.
Use this guide when you need to ask for slower speech, a repeat, a written note, a map, or simple confirmation. It is built for real travel moments, not language study.
What to Do First
Say the clearest request first. In most situations, that means asking the person to slow down. If the answer is still hard to follow, switch to a repeat request, then ask for writing or a map. Short, polite phrases work best.
- Say the phrase out loud, or show it on your phone screen.
- Keep your tone calm and friendly.
- Use a map, note app, or paper to make the exchange easier.
- Confirm one last time before you move on.
Korean Phrases You Can Show
These Korean phrases are polite and easy to use with staff or strangers. You can read them aloud or show them on your screen.
Please Speak Slowly
Please Say That Again
Please Write It Down
Please Show Me on the Map
I Do Not Understand
Simple Confirmation Phrases
Useful Korean Signs or Words
These common words help you recognize signs, screens, and labels when spoken Korean is hard to follow.
Where to Get Help
If the conversation still feels unclear, go to a staffed place where someone can slow things down or write information for you.
- Tourist information booths at stations, airports, and major sights
- Hotel front desks and guesthouse reception areas
- Convenience store or cafe staff when you need one simple answer
- Station information counters for directions, exits, and platform help
- Translation apps if you need to show the phrase in writing
If you already have a map on your phone, that often solves the problem faster than a long conversation.
Common Mistakes
A few small changes make these Korean phrases much easier to use.
- Do not say only one word if you can avoid it. 천천히 alone sounds too bare; 천천히 말씀해 주세요 sounds polite.
- Do not switch to louder English when the issue is speed. Slower speech and writing help more than volume.
- Do not skip the confirmation step. 맞아요? saves time and prevents confusion.
- Do not rely on long directions by ear. Use 지도로 보여 주세요 for places and routes.
- Do not worry about perfect pronunciation. Clear intent matters more than sounding native.
The Short Version
Use 천천히 말씀해 주세요 to slow things down, 다시 말씀해 주세요 to ask for a repeat, 적어 주세요 to get it in writing, and 지도로 보여 주세요 to check a place on the map. Add 모르겠어요 when you are lost and 맞아요? when you want confirmation.
Could You Say That Again becomes easier to handle when you recognize the situation and follow the practical steps above.
Could You Say That Again becomes easier to handle when you recognize the situation and follow the practical steps above.
FAQ
How do I say please speak slowly in Korean?
Say 천천히 말씀해 주세요. It is polite, clear, and works well with staff, drivers, and strangers.
How do I say I do not understand in Korean?
Say 모르겠어요 or 한국어를 잘 못해요. Both tell the other person that you need a slower, simpler reply.
What is the easiest way to ask someone to repeat themselves?
다시 말씀해 주세요 is the best all-purpose phrase. If you want something shorter, 한 번 더요 also works.
How does a visitor ask someone to write it down in Korean?
Say 적어 주세요. If you have paper or a notes app open, point to it while you say the phrase.
How does a visitor ask someone to show a visitor on the map in Korean?
Say 지도로 보여 주세요 and open your map app first. That makes it much easier for the other person to point to the exact place.
Note: This guide is for travel navigation in Korea. It is not medical, legal, or emergency professional advice. For urgent situations, contact local emergency services, official staff, or your embassy/consulate as appropriate.
Sources & Verification
- 1330 Travel Helpline & Complaint Center- VISITKOREA — english.visitkorea.or.kr
- 한국어기초사전 — krdict.korean.go.kr
- National Institute of Korean Language — www.korean.go.kr
Last checked: July 30, 2026
