lentement
/lɑ̃t.mɑ̃/
The English word 'slowly' is translated into French as lentement.
lentement is the most common and general way to express that an action is being performed at a slow pace.
Meaning: at a slow pace (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The adverb is formed by taking the feminine adjective lente and adding the suffix -ment.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adverbs of manner generally follow the verb in French. However, in compound tenses, the adverb is placed between the auxiliary verb and the past participle.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /lɑ̃t.mɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- The phrase doucement is frequently used as a command to tell someone to 'slow down' or 'be quiet'. In these cases, it functions as an imperative rather than a descriptive adverb like lentement.
- In certain French culinary contexts, the instruction à feu doux is used to describe cooking 'slowly' over low heat, rather than using the adverb lentement.
- French has a unique expression à tâtons, which describes moving 'slowly' by feeling one's way in the dark. It describes a specific type of slow movement that lentement does not cover.
Examples in context
- Il se leva lentement.He stood up slowly.This sentence shows how to use lentement when describing someone standing up.Tatoeba #131467 by nimfeo, translation #293210 by CK
- Elle le fit lentement.She did it slowly.This sentence shows how to use lentement to describe performing an action.Tatoeba #2180553 by sacredceltic, translation #2179084 by Hybrid
- Tu as marché lentement.You walked slowly.This sentence shows how to use lentement when describing a walking pace.Tatoeba #12542297 by Rovo, translation #11429059 by Agestur
- Il marchait lentement.He walked slowly.
- Veuillez parler lentement.Please speak slowly.
- Elle ouvrit la porte doucement.She opened the door slowly.
- Le train arriva avec lenteur.The train arrived with slowness.
- La musique jouait avec lenteur.The music played with a slow tempo.
- Il a parlé lentement.He spoke slowly.
- 215 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are walking in a park.
- LéaTu marches très lentement, Lucas.You are walking very slowly, Lucas.
- LucasJe suis fatigué aujourd'hui.I am tired today.
- LéaEst-ce que tu veux t'asseoir ?Do you want to sit down?
- LucasOui, c'est une bonne idée.Yes, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slowly” translations and entries lentement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
