devagar
/de.vaˈɡa(ʁ)/
The Portuguese word for slowly is devagar. Wiktionary also lists lentamente and vagarosamente.
Meaning: at a slow pace (adv)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| devagar | /de.vaˈɡa(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /d͡ʒi.vaˈɡa(ʁ)/ (Brazil) |
| lentamente | /ˌlẽ.taˈmẽ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /ˌlẽ.tɐˈmẽ.tɨ/ (Portugal) |
| vagarosamente | /va.ɡaˌɾɔ.zaˈmẽ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /vɐ.ɡɐˌɾɔ.zɐˈmẽ.tɨ/ (Portugal) |
All forms mean to do something at a slow pace.
Which one should you use?
devagar is the most common way to say slowly in everyday spoken Portuguese. lentamente is more formal and is often used in written or more sophisticated contexts. vagarosamente often carries a nuance of being sluggish or moving with great leisure, frequently used in literature.
How do you pronounce it?
The word devagar has three syllables and the stress is on the third syllable: /de.vaˈɡa(ʁ)/.
Did you know?
- The word devagar is actually a combination of the preposition de and the verb vagar, which means to wander or roam aimlessly.
- In Brazil, the expression ir devagar can be used metaphorically to suggest that someone should take things slowly in a new romantic relationship.
- The word vagarosamente shares its root with the English word 'vague', as both stem from the idea of wandering or being imprecise.
Examples in context
- O Tom anda devagar.Tom walks slowly.This sentence shows how to describe the walking pace of a person using devagar.Tatoeba #2694231 by vitoreiji, translation #37199 by CK
- Minha mãe fala devagar.My mother speaks slowly.This sentence shows how to describe the speaking pace of a person using devagar.Tatoeba #1043756 by brauliobezerra, translation #320685 by CK
- Por favor, fale devagar.Please speak slowly.This sentence is a request for someone to speak at a slow pace using devagar.Tatoeba #880494 by alexmarcelo, translation #403059 by Ramses
- Por favor, fale devagar para que eu possa entender melhor.Please speak slowly so that I can understand better.
- Aprendo línguas pouco a pouco, para garantir uma compreensão profunda.I learn languages little by little to ensure deep understanding.
- Vamos andando lentamente pela praia, aproveitando o momento.Let's walk slowly along the beach, savoring the moment.
- Amigo, fala devagarinho que estou com sono.Friend, speak slowly because I'm sleepy.
- De vagarinho mesmo, a gente vai conseguir acertar tudo.Slowly, we're going to get everything right.
- 206 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Rodrigo are walking through a crowded park.
- CamilaRodrigo, você está andando muito rápido!Rodrigo, you are walking too fast!
- RodrigoDesculpe, Camila. Eu vou andar devagar.Sorry, Camila. I will walk slowly.
- CamilaObrigada. Assim é melhor.Thank you. This is better.
- RodrigoTudo bem, vamos devagar agora.Alright, let's go slowly now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slowly” translations and entries devagar, lentamente, vagarosamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries devagar, lentamente, vagarosamente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
