повільніше
povilʹnishe
To slow down in Ukrainian, use повільніше (povilʹnishe).
While повільніше is technically an adverb meaning 'slower', it is the standard way to issue a command to decelerate or reduce speed in Ukrainian.
Meaning: (''intransitive'') to decelerate (verb)
Which one should you use?
If you want to use a formal verb phrase meaning 'to decelerate' rather than the adverbial command, use зменшити швидкість.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word повільніше is the comparative form of the adverb повільно (slowly), and is used as a command to mean 'slow down'.
How do you pronounce it?
povilʹnishe
Did you know?
- To tell someone to 'slow down' in a metaphorical sense, such as taking life easier, Ukrainians often use the phrase не поспішай, which literally means 'do not hurry'.
- The phrase зменшити швидкість is so formal that using it in a casual conversation with a friend would sound like you are reading from a police report or a technical manual.
- While повільніше means 'slower', it is often used as a gentle warning to someone who is rushing through a task or speaking too fast, rather than just for physical movement.
Examples in context
- Трохи повільніше, будь ласка.Slow down, will you?This sentence shows how to use повільніше as a polite request.Tatoeba #7739214 by deniko, translation #2891845 by CK
- Ви не могли би їхати повільніше?Would you slow down?This sentence demonstrates a way to ask someone to drive or move slower using повільніше.Tatoeba #5734041 by deniko, translation #2548000 by CK
- Так, мені подобається, але повільніше.Yes, I like that, but slow down.This sentence shows how to use повільніше when requesting a change in pace.Tatoeba #11994337 by Ahha, translation #11994277 by Ahha
- Будь ласка, сповільніть!Please, slow down!
- Будь ласка, рухайтеся повільніше!Please, move more slowly!
- Давай, помаленьку!Take it easy!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria is teaching Serhii how to dance.
- Марія MariiaСергію, давай повільніше.Serhiu, davai povilnishe.Serhii, let's go slower.
- Сергій SerhiiЯ намагаюся, але це важко.Ya nahayuyusya, ale tse vazhko.I'm trying, but it's hard.
- Марія MariiaПросто роби це повільніше.Prosto robi tse povilnishe.Just do it slower.
- Сергій SerhiiТепер я розумію, дякую, Маріє.Teper ya rozumiyu, dyakuyu, Mariye.Now I understand, thank you, Maria.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
