ve despacio
/be despaθjo/from spelling rules
To say "go slow" in Spanish, you use ve despacio.
The phrase is used to instruct someone to move or proceed at a low speed. You can also use the related phrase Tómatelo con calma to suggest someone "take it easy" or slow down their pace.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the imperative verb ve (go) and the adverb despacio (slowly/slow).
Which one should you use?
To express the opposite of this phrase and say "go fast", you would replace the adverb despacio with rápido to say ve rápido.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ve despacio uses the informal imperative (tú) command of the verb ir.
How do you pronounce it?
/be despaθjo/
Did you know?
- The word despacio originates from the Latin words for 'from' and 'space'. It literally describes the act of giving something more room to happen.
- While ve despacio is a direct command to move slowly, the related expression tómatelo con calma is often used to offer life advice about reducing stress rather than physical speed.
- While ve despacio refers to physical movement, if you want to tell someone to slow down their emotional or mental pace, you might say ve con calma, using the word for 'calm'.
Examples in context
- Ve despacio, que la carretera está resbaladiza.Go slow, the road is slippery.
- Ve despacio, que la calle está resbaladiza.Go slow, the street is slippery.
- Si vas a caminar con el bebé, ve despacio.If you are going to walk with the baby, go slow.
- Ve despacio con el coche por la nieve.Go slow with the car through the snow.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are walking in a crowded market.
- Sofía¡Cuidado! Ve despacio entre la gente.Watch out! Go slow through the crowd.
- JavierTienes razón, hay mucha gente hoy.You're right, there are a lot of people today.
- SofíaNo quiero que te tropieces.I don't want you to trip.
- JavierEstá bien, caminaré con cuidado.Alright, I will walk carefully.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries despacio, ve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
