سُسْت
sust
The English word slow can be translated into Urdu using several forms, most commonly سُسْت (sust). Wiktionary also lists دِھیمِا (dhīmā) and آہِسْتَہ (āhista).
Meaning: not quick in motion (adj)
Ways to say it
| Urdu | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| سُسْت | sust |
| دِھیمِا | dhīmā |
| آہِسْتَہ | āhista |
| کند | kund |
| کودن | kodan |
All provided forms describe a lack of quickness in motion, but they vary in their specific connotations and contexts.
Which one should you use?
While all these words mean slow, آہِسْتَہ is the most common way to say 'slowly' or 'gently' in everyday speech. In contrast, سُسْت often carries a connotation of being lazy or lethargic rather than just a low speed of motion. کند is a more formal or literary term often used to describe a slow pace or a dull/blunt intellect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
آہِسْتَہ is frequently used in polite commands, such as asking someone to speak slowly or softly. کند is a literary option used in more formal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
sust
Did you know?
- The word کند describes a 'slow' person but also refers to a 'blunt' knife or a 'dull' mind, showing how Urdu links physical speed to mental sharpness.
- The word آہِسْتَہ is used to describe both a slow speed and a low volume. If you ask someone to speak آہِسْتَہ, you might be asking them to slow down or to whisper.
- When asking someone to slow down, using آہِسْتَہ is considered polite and gentle. In contrast, using سُسْت in a command can sound like you are mocking the person's laziness.
Examples in context
- یہ ٹرین آہستہ چل رہی ہے۔This train is moving slowly.
- بریج کی تعمیر بہت سست ہو رہی ہے۔The construction of the bridge is progressing very slowly.
- آج ہوا بہت دھیمی چل رہی ہے۔The wind is blowing very slowly today.
- یہ پروگرام کچھ سست چل رہا ہے۔This program is running a bit slowly.
Example conversation
Zainab and Ahmed are walking together.
- زینب Zainabاحمد، تم اتنے سُسْت کیوں ہو؟Ahmed, tum itnay sust kyun ho?Ahmed, why are you so slow?
- احمد Ahmedمیں تھکا ہوا ہوں۔Main thaka hua hoon.I am tired.
- زینب Zainabجلدی چلو، دیر ہو رہی ہے۔Jaldi chalo, der ho rahi hai.Walk quickly, it is getting late.
- احمد Ahmedٹھیک ہے، میں تیز چلتا ہوں۔Theek hai, main tez chalta hoon.Okay, I will walk fast.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slow” translations and entries کند, کودن, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
