慢慢
mànmàn
The English word "slowly" is translated into Chinese as 慢慢 (mànmàn).
慢慢 is used to describe doing something at a slow pace. It can be used as an idiom in the phrase 慢慢来, which means to "take it slow" or "take your time" when advising someone not to rush a process.
Meaning: at a slow pace (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 慢慢 is the standard form, 慢点 is an alternative used specifically in informal speech to mean "slowly".
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle 地 after 慢慢 turns it into an adverb that modifies a verb in a sentence. In casual speech, the particle 地 is often omitted, allowing 慢慢 to directly precede a verb, such as in the phrase 慢慢走 (walk slowly).
How do you pronounce it?
mànmàn
Did you know?
- When guests leave a home, the host often says 慢慢走, which literally means 'walk slowly'. In this context, it is a polite way to say 'get home safely'.
- When eating, a host might say 慢慢吃, which translates to 'eat slowly'. This is not a critique of the guest's pace but a polite way to tell them to 'enjoy your meal'.
- In many Chinese-speaking regions, describing a person as 慢 can be a subtle way to criticize their efficiency or lack of decisiveness, rather than just their physical speed.
Examples in context
- 门慢慢地开了。The door opened slowly.This sentence shows how to use 慢慢 to describe a door opening.Tatoeba #8591212 by easononizuka, translation #39119 by Swift
- 别着急，慢慢说。Don't be nervous, speak slowly.This sentence uses 慢慢 to suggest someone speak without rushing.Tatoeba #1759727 by sadhen, translation #9286682 by Ivan24
- 她在后面慢慢走着。She is walking slowly at the back.This sentence demonstrates using 慢慢 to describe the pace of walking.Tatoeba #9990161 by GlossaMatik, translation #12080473 by FishlandicFishy
- 慢慢地走Walk slowly.
- 请你慢慢地讲Please speak slowly.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A cafe where Zihan and Junjie are having a meal.
- 梓涵 Zihan俊杰，你吃得太快了。Jùnjié, nǐ chī de tài kuài le.Junjie, you are eating too fast.
- 俊杰 Junjie对不起，我慢慢吃。Duìbuqǐ, wǒ mànmàn chī.Sorry, I will eat slowly.
- 梓涵 Zihan没关系，慢慢来比较好。Méi guānxi, mànmàn lái bǐjiào hǎo.It's okay, it's better to take it slow.
- 俊杰 Junjie谢谢你的关心。Xièxiè nǐ de guānxīn.Thank you for your concern.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
