despacio
/desˈpaθjo/
The English musical term 'lento' can be expressed in Spanish as despacio.
In the specific context of music, the term lento is used as a technical tempo marking to indicate a slow pace.
Meaning: (music) lento (adj)
Which one should you use?
In a musical context, the word lento is used specifically as a tempo marking.
How do you pronounce it?
/desˈpaθjo/
Did you know?
- The word lento is a direct cognate of the English 'lenient', as both derive from the Latin 'lentus', which originally meant 'pliant' or 'flexible'.
- While lento describes the speed of a process, calling a person lento in Spanish is a common way to imply they are dim-witted or slow to understand a joke.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, using despacio can be a polite way to ask someone to speak more clearly, not just more slowly.
Examples in context
- Estoy estudiando a un ritmo pausado.I am studying at a slow pace.
- El tráfico está lento hoy.The traffic is slow today.
- ¿Podemos ir despacio?Can we go slowly?
- Vamos a tomar las cosas con calma.Let's take things slowly.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are practicing a song together.
- DanielLucía, creo que vamos muy rápido.Lucía, I think we are going too fast.
- LucíaTienes razón, debe sonar más despacio.You are right, it should sound slower.
- DanielIntentémoslo una vez más así.Let's try it one more time like that.
- LucíaPerfecto, ahora suena mucho mejor.Perfect, now it sounds much better.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry despacio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
