慢点

You can use it as a standalone phrase or add a verb after it. If a friend is sprinting to catch a bus, just yell 慢点！. If you want to be specific, say 慢点走 (Walk slower/Take care). It is incredibly short and punchy. You do not need complex grammar here. Just drop it whenever speed becomes a concern. It is the verbal equivalent of a gentle hand on someone's shoulder.

Use it when saying goodbye to guests at your door. It implies "Travel safely on your way home." Use it at a dinner table when someone is gulping down hot soup. It shows you don't want them to scald themselves. Use it in a taxi if the driver thinks he is in a Formula 1 race. It is also great for texting a friend who is rushing to meet you. It tells them, "I'm waiting, no need to rush."

Do not use this in a high-stakes business pitch to tell your boss to talk slower. It is a bit too casual for that. Instead, use 请慢一点. Also, avoid using it if someone is actually being too slow. If your internet is lagging, saying 慢点 won't help—that would be like saying "Slow down more." You would want to complain about it being 太慢了 (too slow) instead.

In Chinese culture, speed is often associated with danger or lack of mindfulness. Saying 慢点 is a traditional way of showing hospitality and concern. It stems from the idea that a 'slow' life is a safe and respectful one. When you tell a departing guest to 慢点走, you are wishing them a path free of obstacles. It is deeply rooted in the concept of 'keeping someone in your thoughts' as they transition from your space to the outside world.

You will often hear 慢点儿 in Northern China, adding that signature 'r' sound. For more emphasis, people say 慢一点. If you are being extra polite to an elder, you might say 您慢走. In a digital context, if someone is typing too fast and making typos, you might send a turtle emoji with 慢点. It is a flexible little phrase that fits almost any 'speedy' situation.