despacio
neutral, Mexico
In Mexico "slowly" is despacio in everyday talk and lentamente in more careful writing. A learner might say más despacio, por favor to ask someone to slow down. It is also called poco a poco.
Meaning: at a low speed (adverb)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| despacio | neutral, Mexico |
| lentamente | formal |
| poco a poco | gradually |
Use despacio to ask someone to talk or walk slower, as in habla más despacio. Poco a poco means "little by little" and is used for gradual progress.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Mexicans also use the diminutive despacito in a friendly way, as in vamos despacito.
How does it change in a sentence?
Despacio does not change form, while lento is an adjective with the endings lento and lenta.
Did you know?
- The song title Despacito made the word famous worldwide, and it is the diminutive of despacio.
Examples in context
- Manejo despacio en la lluvia.I drive slowly in the rain.
- Poco a poco vas a aprender.Little by little you will learn.
Example conversation
A tourist asks a taxi driver for help with directions in Mérida.
- TuristaDisculpe, ¿puede hablar más despacio?Excuse me, can you speak more slowly?
- TaxistaClaro. Voy a la plaza, ¿verdad?Of course. I am going to the square, right?
- TuristaSí, muchas gracias.Yes, thank you very much.
