Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| lentamente | /len.taˈmen.te/ /ˌlɛn.taˈmen.te/ |
| adagio | /aˈda.d͡ʒo/ |
| a rilento |
The primary way to say "slowly" is to use the adverb lentamente, which describes performing an action at a low physical speed. You may also use a rilento to describe a movement that is undergoing a gradual deceleration or is in the process of slowing down.
What does it mean word for word?
lentamente is formed from the adjective lento (slow) and the suffix -mente, which is the Italian equivalent of the English suffix -ly.
Which one should you use?
While lentamente is the standard adverb for general physical speed, adagio is typically reserved for musical contexts or to describe a slow, graceful tempo. In contrast, a rilento is used specifically when something is slowing down rather than maintaining a constant slow speed.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /len.taˈmen.te/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The suffix -mente in lentamente is derived from the Latin word for 'mind'.
- Depending on the region, an Italian might use piano as a synonym for lentamente when asking someone to do something slowly.
- The word lento shares a root with the English word 'lenient', as both involve a sense of being slow or lacking rigor.
Examples in context
- Tom si alzò lentamente.Tom got up slowly.This sentence shows how to use lentamente to describe a physical action like getting up.Tatoeba #7147594 by Guybrush88, translation #4498901 by CK
- Mangi i pasti lentamente.Eat meals slowly.This sentence illustrates using lentamente in the context of eating.Tatoeba #1699996 by Guybrush88, translation #1293085 by CM
- Aprii la porta lentamente.I opened the door slowly.This sentence shows the use of lentamente when opening an object.Tatoeba #1012344 by Guybrush88, translation #255141 by CK
- Si prega di parlare lentamente.Please speak slowly.
- Continua a camminare piano.Keep walking slowly.
- Fai piano piano, non c'è fretta.Take it slowly, there's no rush.
- 321 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are hiking on a steep mountain path.
- MatteoGiulia, cammina lentamente, il sentiero è scivoloso.Giulia, walk slowly, the path is slippery.
- GiuliaHai ragione, Matteo, vado con calma.You're right, Matteo, I'll go carefully.
- MatteoSì, procediamo lentamente per sicurezza.Yes, let's proceed slowly for safety.
- GiuliaVa bene, non c'è fretta.Okay, there is no rush.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slowly” translations and entries lentamente, adagio, a rilento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
