chậm lại
[t͡ɕəm˧˨ʔ laːj˧˨ʔ]word by word
The English phrase 'slow down' is translated into Vietnamese as chậm lại.
chậm lại is used to describe a deceleration in speed. This applies to physical movement, such as a person walking or a vehicle driving, as well as the pace of an activity or a process.
Meaning: (''intransitive'') to decelerate (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective chậm, meaning slow and the directional particle lại, meaning back or again. In this context, lại indicates a change in state toward a slower speed.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn chậm lại into a common imperative or suggestion, you can add the particle đi to the end of the phrase, resulting in chậm lại đi.
Did you know?
- Vietnamese uses different words for 'slow' depending on whether the speed is a deficiency or a virtue, such as using từ tốn for a slow and polite manner of speaking.
- While chậm lại means to slow down, using the word chậm on its own to describe a person can imply they are being slow-witted or dull-witted in a social context.
- While chậm lại is a literal translation of 'slow down', Vietnamese speakers often use the word thong thả to describe a slow and relaxed pace of life or movement.
Examples in context
- Chậm lại đi!Slow down!This sentence is useful for expressing the imperative 'Slow down!' using chậm lại.Tatoeba #12414410 by mqd, translation #3022436 by sharptoothed
- Đang đi như vậy đâm vào ai đấy, chậm một chút nhé?You're walking so fast, you might bump into someone, slow down a bit, okay?
- Ôi, chậm lại đi! Đừng vội vàng quá.Oh, slow down! Don't rush too much.
- Bạn nên chậm lại một chút.You should slow down a little.
- Xe đang chậm lại vì tắc đường.The car is slowing down because of the traffic jam.
Example conversation
Minh is driving too fast and Hương is worried.
- HươngMinh ơi, anh hãy chậm lại đi!Minh, please slow down!
- MinhAnh sẽ chậm lại ngay.I will slow down right away.
- HươngĐường này rất trơn đấy.This road is very slippery.
- MinhAnh biết rồi, em yên tâm.I know, don't worry.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (chậm, lại) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
