αργά
argá
The English phrase "slowly" can be translated into Greek as αργά (argá) or σιγά.
Meaning: at a slow pace (adv)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| αργά | argá | |
| σιγά | sigá | /siˈɣa/ |
The word αργά is used to describe doing something at a slow pace. Depending on the context, it can also mean "late" (not on time). The word σιγά is used to mean slowly, and when repeated as σιγά σιγά, it commonly expresses that something is happening gradually or bit by bit.
Which one should you use?
While both forms can mean slowly, αργά can also mean "late" depending on the context of the sentence. The repeated forms Αργά-αργά and Σιγά-σιγά are both used to say "slowly" with added emphasis.
How do you pronounce it?
argá
When do people say it?
In Greek culture, you can reinforce the message of slowing down by extending your palm downward in a calming motion while saying αργά.
Did you know?
- In a sarcastic context, a Greek speaker might say σιγά to express that something is unimpressive or 'no big deal'.
- When a Greek speaker says σιγά τα εσάς, they are using the word for 'slowly' to tell someone they are being overly ambitious or presumptuous.
- Because σιγά comes from a root meaning 'quiet', using it to mean 'slowly' carries an underlying connotation of doing something without making a fuss.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ τρώει αργά.Tom eats slowly.This sentence shows how to use αργά to describe the speed of eating.Tatoeba #5457682 by Zeus, translation #1660840 by Amastan
- Ο παππούς μου μιλάει πολύ αργά.My grandfather speaks very slowly.This sentence demonstrates using αργά to describe the speed of speaking.Tatoeba #5613459 by Zeus, translation #1362466 by CK
- Οδήγα αργά.Drive slowly.This sentence provides a command using αργά for driving speed.Tatoeba #5451042 by Zeus, translation #30126 by CK
- Παρακαλώ μιλήστε αργά.Please speak slowly.
- Περπάτα αργά-αργά.Walk slowly.
- Μιλά σιγά-σιγά γιατί είμαι κουρασμένος.Speak slowly because I am tired.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Kostas are walking in the park.
- Μαρία MariaΠερπατάμε πολύ αργά, Κώστα.Perpatáme polý argá, Kósta.We are walking very slowly, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΈχεις δίκιο, ας πηγαίνουμε πιο γρήγορα.Écheis díkio, as pigénoume pio grígora.You are right, let's go faster.
- Μαρία MariaΓιατί πήγαινες τόσο αργά μέχρι τώρα;Giatí pígaines tóso argá méchri tóra?Why were you going so slowly until now?
- Κώστας KostasΑπλά απολαύφω το τοπίο, Μαρία.Aplá apolafúfo to topío, María.I'm just enjoying the scenery, Maria.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slowly” translations and entries αργά, σιγά, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
