wolny
/ˈvɔl.nɘ/
The English word slow is translated into Polish as wolny or powolny.
Meaning: not quick in motion (adj)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| wolny | /ˈvɔl.nɘ/ /ˈvɔl.nɨ/ (Middle, Polish) |
| powolny | /pɔˈvɔl.nɘ/ |
Both words describe something that is not quick in motion. When describing the performance or speed of a computer, wolny is the standard term used by speakers.
Which one should you use?
While both terms can mean slow, wolny is ambiguous because it can also mean 'free' (as in having free time or being a free person) depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective wolny changes its endings to match the gender and number of the noun it describes: use wolna for feminine singular nouns, wolne for neuter singular nouns and wolni for masculine personal plural groups (such as a group of men or a mixed-gender group).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈvɔl.nɘ/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word powolny is derived from the phrase po woli, which literally means 'according to one's will'. This suggests that moving slowly is a deliberate choice of pace.
- In Polish, calling a person powolny can sometimes imply they are mentally slow or dim-witted, whereas wolny usually refers only to their physical speed.
- In Polish, if you want to tell someone to 'slow down' while they are driving or walking, you don't use the adjectives wolny or powolny, but the verb zwolnić.
Examples in context
- Sami był zbyt powolny.Sami was too slow.This sentence shows how to use powolny to describe a person's speed.Tatoeba #12060522 by jimbojim, translation #7248939 by OsoHombre
- Mój komputer jest strasznie wolny.My computer is terribly slow.This sentence demonstrates using wolny to describe a slow computer.Tatoeba #13030313 by vv3, translation #12928140 by Tom9358
- Leniwce są bardzo wolnymi zwierzętami.Sloths are very slow animals.This sentence uses the form wolnymi to describe slow animals.Tatoeba #12225626 by polski_ren, translation #11684957 by tieguy
- Czy możesz iść wolniej?Can you walk slower?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Małgorzata are walking in the park.
- KrzysztofDlaczego idziesz tak wolny?Why are you walking so slow?
- MałgorzataMam bardzo niewygodne buty.I have very uncomfortable shoes.
- KrzysztofMożesz iść szybciej?Can you walk faster?
- MałgorzataPrzepraszam, ale jestem dziś wolny.I'm sorry, but I am slow today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slow” translations and entries wolny, powolny, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries powolny, wolny, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
