rallenta
To slow down in Italian is rallenta.
The verb is used to describe the act of decelerating. It can be used both intransitively (to slow down) and transitively (to slow something down).
Meaning: (''intransitive'') to decelerate (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of this verb is rallentare. For the third-person plural present indicative, use rallentano. To form compound tenses, use the past participle rallentato.
Did you know?
- Adding the prefix ri- to allentare (to loosen) creates rallentare, literally suggesting the act of making something slack or loose again.
- While rallentare is the standard verb for decelerating, if you want to tell someone to 'take it easy' or 'slow down' in a lifestyle sense, Italians often use the phrase prendila con calma.
- In a musical context, you might hear the instruction rallentando instead of a simple rallenta. This specific term tells a musician to gradually decrease the tempo of the piece.
Examples in context
- Può rallentare un po'?Can you slow down a little?This example shows how to ask someone to slow down a little using rallenta.Tatoeba #4518131 by Guybrush88, translation #3476733 by Hybrid
- Tom non ha rallentato.Tom didn't slow down.This sentence uses rallenta to describe someone who did not slow down.Tatoeba #13441973 by Guybrush88, translation #2547609 by CK
- Io non posso rallentare.I can't slow down.This sentence uses rallenta to express an inability to slow down.Tatoeba #2010185 by Guybrush88, translation #1954880 by CK
- Rallenta, per favore!Slow down, please!
- Prego, rallenti! La situazione è pericolosa!Please, slow down! The situation is dangerous!
- Scusate, ma potreste parlare più lentamente?Excuse me, could you speak more slowly?
- 96 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are driving a car together.
- SofiaMatteo, rallenta un po'!Matteo, slow down a little!
- MatteoHai ragione, scusa.You are right, sorry.
- SofiaStai andando troppo veloce.You are going too fast.
- MatteoAdesso vado più piano.Now I will go slower.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
