Translation guide
How to express 'slow down' in Japanese, covering physical speed, pace of work, speech, and cautionary warnings.
Slow down! (to a driver)
Please speak more slowly.
You should slow down (pace of life/work).
Telling someone to physically move more slowly, such as when driving, running, or walking.
Standard phrase for reducing speed, especially for vehicles. Literally 'drop the speed'.
There are many curves here, so please slow down.
More formal version of 'reduce speed', often used in written instructions or announcements.
Technical term for deceleration, used in traffic signs, manuals, and formal contexts.
Adverb meaning 'slowly'. Can be used as a gentle command: 'ゆっくり!' (Take it easy/slowly).
Telling someone to work less quickly, take more time, or not rush.
Literally 'drop the pace'. Used for work, study, or any activity where speed is involved.
Asking someone to reduce their speaking speed.
The most common way to say 'speak slowly'. Can be used as a request: ゆっくり話してください。
Warning someone not to act hastily, often implying 'think before you act'.
Means 'calm down' or 'take it easy'. Often used when someone is rushing or panicking.
Describing a decrease in economic activity, growth, or market speed.
スピードを落とす is the everyday phrase for reducing speed, while 減速する is more technical and often appears in written warnings or formal announcements.
Please slow down. (casual/natural)
On rainy days, let's slow down and drive carefully.
There is a school ahead. Please slow down.
ゆっくり走って！
Run slowly! / Slow down!
You've been too busy lately, so you should slow down a bit.
Negative form of 'to hurry'. Often used to tell someone not to rush.
You don't have to rush. Take your time.
To take it easy, relax, or do something at a leisurely pace.
Let's take it easy at home today.
Excuse me, could you speak a little more slowly?
More explicit: 'reduce your speaking speed'.
Could you slow down your speaking speed?
Slow down! You don't have to rush so much.
Means 'carefully' or 'cautiously'. Implies slowing down to avoid mistakes.
Please do this work carefully (implying: slow down).
The global economy is slowing down.
Means 'growth slows down', often used in economic reports.
China's economic growth is slowing down.
減速してください。
Please decelerate. (formal/technical)
遅くする (おそくする) means 'to make late' or 'to delay', not 'to reduce speed'. For physical speed, use スピードを落とす or ゆっくり. For pace, use ペースを落とす.
Intended: slow down the car (unnatural)
Slow down (natural)