What does it mean word for word?
The verb is derived from the root meaning 'slowness' or 'deliberation'.
Which one should you use?
While تمهل is a standard formal command, تأنَّ is a more formal, classical way to command someone to act with deliberation or slow down. In casual, everyday conversation, the colloquial phrase على مهلك is a very common colloquial way to tell someone to slow down or take it easy.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
تمهل is a formal way to say "slow down" that carries a connotation of taking one's time. For a more classical or highly formal tone, you may use تأنَّ. In colloquial, informal settings, people typically use على مهلك.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form changes depending on who you are addressing: use تمهلي when addressing a single female, and use تمهلوا when addressing a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
tamahhal
Did you know?
- In a casual setting, telling a friend to slow down using تمهل might make you sound like a character from an ancient epic or a classical poem.
- The classical form تأنَّ is often associated with the concept of 'tranquility' and is frequently found in religious or philosophical texts to advise patience rather than just physical movement.
- If you use the phrase على مهلك to a driver in a high-stress situation, it can be perceived as a soothing expression of empathy rather than a direct instruction to hit the brakes.
Examples in context
- تمهل يا زيري.Slow down, Ziri.This sentence shows how to use تمهل when addressing a person named Ziri.Tatoeba #11614128 by dididodo, translation #10232049 by Amastan
- تمهلوا جميعكم.Slow down, everyone.This sentence shows how to use تمهلوا when addressing a group.Tatoeba #12172939 by dididodo, translation #10232050 by Amastan
- تمهل؛ لا تستعجلTake your time, there's no rush.
- تمهل في المشي.tamahhal fi al-mashi.Slow down while walking.
Example conversation
Omar is driving too fast while Leila is in the car.
- عمر Omarأنا متأخر عن الموعد.Ana muta'akhkhir 'an al-ma'id.I am late for the appointment.
- ليلى Laylaتمهل يا عمر، الطريق مزدحم.Tammahal ya Omar, at-tariq muzdahim.Slow down Omar, the road is crowded.
- عمر Omarحسناً، سأخفف السرعة.Hasanan, sa'ukhaffif as-sur'ah.Okay, I will reduce the speed.
- ليلى Laylaشكراً لك.Shukran lak.Thank you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
