ببطء
bibut'
The English word 'slowly' is translated into Arabic as ببطء (bibut').
The phrase is used to describe an action that happens at a low speed.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the preposition bi- (with) and the noun but (slowness).
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'very slowly', you can add the word شديد (intense/extreme) after the phrase to form ببطء شديد.
How do you pronounce it?
bibut'
Did you know?
- Classical Arabic poetry often uses the root ب ط ء to describe a slow gait as a symbol of dignity and royal deliberation.
- While ببطء is used in formal writing, spoken Arabic often uses شوي شوي (shway shway) to mean 'slowly' or 'carefully'. This common expression is a repetition of the word for 'a little bit'.
- While ببطء is the standard way to say 'slowly', in many spoken dialects like Egyptian or Levantine, people prefer to use the word على مهلك (ala mahlak), which literally translates to 'on your ease' or 'at your leisure'.
Examples in context
- امشِ ببطء في الممر.imshi bibut' fil-mamarr.Walk slowly in the hallway.
- تحدث معي ببطء من فضلك.takallam ma'i bibut' min fadlak.Speak to me slowly, please.
- السلحفاة تتحرك ببطء شديد.al-sulhufa tataharrak bibut' shadid.The turtle moves very slowly.
Example conversation
Youssef is teaching Noor how to drive a manual car.
- يوسف Youssefاضغط على الدواسة ببطء.idghat 'ala al-dawasa bibut'.Press the pedal slowly.
- نور Nourهل أفعل ذلك هكذا؟hal af'al dhalika hakadha?Do I do it like this?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، يا نور، ببطء أكثر.na'am, ya Nour, bibut' akthar.Yes, Nour, even more slowly.
- نور Nourحسناً، سأحاول مرة أخرى.hasanan, sa-uhawil marra ukhra.Okay, I will try again.
