powoli
/pɔˈvɔ.li/
The English phrase slowly is translated into Polish as powoli. Wiktionary also lists wolno and pomału.
Meaning: at a slow pace (adv)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| powoli | /pɔˈvɔ.li/ |
| wolno | /ˈvɔl.nɔ/ |
| pomału | /pɔˈma.wu/ |
| nieśpiesznie | /ɲɛˈɕpjɛʂ.ɲɛ/ |
| nieprędko | /ɲɛˈprɛnt.kɔ/ |
| niemrawo | /ɲɛˈmra.vɔ/ |
| pomalutku | /pɔ.maˈlut.ku/ |
Powoli can be used both to describe physical speed and to describe a process that is progressing gradually over time.
Which one should you use?
While powoli is the general term, other forms offer specific nuances. Nieśpiesznie specifically emphasizes a lack of haste or a relaxed pace, rather than just a low speed. Nieprędko is a more literal, slightly more formal way to say 'not quickly' and is less common in everyday conversational speech than powoli.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form pomalutku is a diminutive and is used in informal, often affectionate or gentle contexts, such as speaking to children or describing a gradual, gentle process.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /pɔˈvɔ.li/.
Did you know?
- The adverb wolno shares its root with the Proto-Indo-European word *wol-yeh₂, which is an ancient ancestor shared by many languages to describe freedom or will.
- In Polish, the same root used for 'slowly' in wolno is also used to describe a seat that is 'free' or 'unoccupied'.
- When Polish speakers use pomalutku to describe a process, it often functions as a way to soothe someone, similar to how 'easy does it' is used in English.
Examples in context
- Tom powoli skinął głową.Tom nodded slowly.This sentence shows how to describe a slow physical movement using powoli.Tatoeba #11573402 by tokzyk, translation #2237475 by CK
- Powoli powtórzył swoje imię.He repeated his name slowly.This sentence demonstrates the use of powoli when repeating something at a low speed.Tatoeba #7962614 by arie, translation #298854 by CK
- Powoli zbliżamy się do końca.We're slowly nearing the end.This sentence illustrates how powoli can describe a process progressing gradually over time.Tatoeba #3815935 by Siganiv, translation #3815930 by Tickler
- Proszę powoli poruszać się po sali.Please move slowly around the room.
- Proszę jechać wolno w tej strefie.Please drive slowly in this zone.
- Proszę czytać pomału, aby wszyscy mogli zrozumieć.Please read slowly so that everyone can understand.
- Chodź wolniej, nie musimy się spieszyć.Walk slower, we don't need to hurry.
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Agnieszka are walking in the park.
- PawełIdź proszę trochę powoli.Please walk a bit slowly.
- AgnieszkaDlaczego tak mówisz, Paweł?Why are you saying that, Paweł?
- PawełJestem bardzo zmęczony dzisiaj.I am very tired today.
- AgnieszkaDobrze, będziemy iść powoli.Okay, we will go slowly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slowly” translations and entries powoli, wolno, pomału, nieśpiesznie, nieprędko, niemrawo, pomalutku, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nieśpiesznie, pomału, powoli, wolno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
