chậm
[t͡ɕəm˧˨ʔ]
The English word slow is translated into Vietnamese as chậm. If unsure, use chậm. Wiktionary also lists chậm chạp.
Meaning: not quick in motion (adj)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| chậm | [t͡ɕəm˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [t͡ɕəm˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
| chậm chạp | [t͡ɕəm˧˨ʔ t͡ɕaːp̚˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [t͡ɕəm˨˩ʔ t͡ɕaːp̚˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
Chậm is used to describe something that is not quick in motion. Much like the English word slow, it can function as both an adjective, such as in describing a slow car and as an adverb, such as in describing the act of driving slowly.
Which one should you use?
While chậm is the standard word for slow, you may encounter other variations. Chậm chạp is a related form, and chầm chậm is used specifically to emphasize a slow and steady pace. If you want to describe someone or something as being slow in a way that implies laziness or sluggishness, the term lờ đờ is more appropriate.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the command or the action of slowing down, chậm is often paired with the particle lại to form the phrase chậm lại.
Did you know?
- While chậm is a neutral term, using chậm chạp to describe a person often carries a negative connotation of being dim-witted or incompetent.
- The term lờ đờ describes a specific kind of slowness, such as the glazed look of someone who is exhausted or the sluggish movement of a fish lacking oxygen.
- In Vietnamese, the phrase chậm lại can be used not just for physical speed, but also to tell someone to calm down or stop rushing their words.
Examples in context
- Ziri đã lái xe rất chậm.Ziri drove really slow.This sentence shows how to use chậm to describe driving speed.Tatoeba #12132374 by phongvu, translation #10234780 by Amastan
- Tôi thích nhịp điệu chậm của bài hát này.I like the slow tempo of this song.This sentence uses chậm to describe the tempo of a song.Tatoeba #8834713 by dotheduyet1999, translation #8062924 by AlanF_US
- Chậm lại đi!Slow down!This sentence demonstrates how to use chậm with the particle lại to form the command 'slow down'.Tatoeba #12414410 by mqd, translation #3022436 by sharptoothed
- Nói chậmSpeak slowly
- Hãy đi chậmPlease walk slowly
- Làm ơn nói chậm một chútPlease speak slowly.
- Hãy đi chậm lạiPlease slow down.
- Quá trình này diễn ra rất chậmThis process is happening very slowly.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minh and Mai are walking in a park.
- MinhMai đi chậm thôi.Mai, walk slowly.
- MaiEm đang đi rất chậm mà.I am walking very slowly.
- MinhAnh muốn đi chậm để ngắm cảnh.I want to go slowly to see the scenery.
- MaiĐược rồi, chúng ta đi chậm lại.Okay, let's go slowly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slow” translations and entries chậm, chậm chạp, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
