lento
/ˈlɛn.to/
The English word 'slow' is translated into Italian as lento.
Lento is an adjective used to describe something that is not quick in motion. Beyond physical speed, it can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is slow to understand or act.
Meaning: not quick in motion (adj)
Which one should you use?
While lento is the standard adjective for slow, you may encounter Lentissimo to express that something is very slow or extremely slow. In musical contexts, the term Adagio is used to indicate a slow tempo or to metaphorically describe something moving slowly.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, lento must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use lenta for feminine singular nouns, lenti for masculine plural nouns and lente for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈlɛn.to/.
Did you know?
- The Italian word lento shares its origin with the English word 'lenient', as both derive from the Latin 'lentus' meaning 'pliant' or 'flexible'.
- Italian uses the word lente for both the feminine plural of 'slow' and the noun for 'lens' in a pair of glasses.
- The Italian phrase a fuoco lento describes simmering food over low heat, using 'slow' to refer to the intensity of the flame.
Examples in context
- È un treno lento?Is it a slow train?This sentence is useful for asking if a train is lento.Tatoeba #3022704 by Guybrush88, translation #3022520 by sharptoothed
- È lento e noioso.It's slow and boring.This sentence is useful for describing something as lento and boring.Tatoeba #4140535 by Guybrush88, translation #1879886 by Spamster
- Il video è lento.The video is slow.This sentence is useful for stating that a video is lento.Tatoeba #13299541 by Guybrush88, translation #10096836 by Amastan
- Questo computer è lentoThis computer is slow
- Il servizio di questo ristorante è lentissimoThe service in this restaurant is extremely slow
- Questo film è lentissimo!This movie is extremely slow!
- Il mio computer va molto lento quest'oggi.My computer is moving very slowly today.
- 184 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are walking together in the city.
- ChiaraPerché cammini così lento, Matteo?Why are you walking so slow, Matteo?
- MatteoSono molto stanco oggi.I am very tired today.
- ChiaraAllora prendiamo un autobus.Then let's take a bus.
- MatteoSì, ma l'autobus è troppo lento.Yes, but the bus is too slow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slow” translations and entries lento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
