Chinese phrases
How to say take your time in Chinese
Take your time in Chinese is 慢慢来 (màn màn lái). To say there’s no hurry, say 不急 (bù jí) or 不着急 (bù zháo jí).
慢慢来
take your time
慢慢 also goes before other verbs: 慢慢说, “take your time telling me,” and 慢慢吃, “take your time eating.”
Ways to say take your time
慢慢来
Everydaytake your time; one step at a time
To someone who is learning, fixing or making something. Also about long goals: 学中文要慢慢来.
不急
With friendsno rush
The short reply when someone says they need more time.
不着急
Everydaythere’s no hurry
A little fuller than 不急. Often 我不着急, “I’m in no hurry.”
别着急
Everydaydon’t panic; no rush
To someone who is flustered: searching for a ticket at the gate, or stuck for a word.
你慢慢吃
Everydaytake your time eating
When you finish first and leave the table. To a group, say 你们慢慢吃. Waiters say 慢用 when they bring a dish.
慢慢说
Everydaytake your time telling me
To someone who talks fast because they are upset, or who is looking for the words: 别急，慢慢说.
Common mistakes
Hearing 你们慢慢吃 as “you eat too slowly”
When someone finishes first and stands up, they say 我吃好了，你们慢慢吃. It means “enjoy the rest of your meal.” Say it yourself when you leave the table first.
Hearing 慢走 as “walk slowly”
A host or a shop assistant says 慢走 as you leave. It means “take care, goodbye.” Answer 谢谢 or 再见.
Translating “take your time” word for word
Learners sometimes say 花你的时间. 花时间 means “to spend time on something”: 这个菜很花时间, “this dish takes a lot of time.” It does not tell someone not to hurry. Say 慢慢来 or 不急.
A friend is running late
不好意思，我还要十分钟。
Qiqi: Sorry, I need ten more minutes.
不急，你慢慢来。
Leon: No rush, take your time.
你要是饿了，就先吃吧。
Qiqi: If you’re hungry, go ahead and eat.
没事，我等你。
Leon: It’s fine, I’ll wait for you.
