شوية شوية
shwayya shwayya
The English phrase "slowly slowly" is translated into Arabic as شوية شوية (shwayya shwayya).
The phrase شوية شوية is used to tell someone to do something at a gradual pace, to be careful or to proceed "step by step" or "gradually."
Which one should you use?
For example, ببطء جداً means "very slowly" and ببطء قليلاً means "a bit slowly."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
شوية شوية is a colloquial phrase used widely in many Arabic dialects. In an informal context, you may also hear the variation شوي شوي.
How do you pronounce it?
shwayya shwayya
Did you know?
- While شوية شوية means 'slowly', the root word شوية (shwayya) literally translates to 'a little bit'.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, the phrase is frequently accompanied by a gesture of the hand moving slowly downward or palm-down waving to physically signal a reduction in speed.
- Depending on the tone of voice, شوي شوي can be used sarcastically to tell someone they are being overly cautious or hesitant to the point of being annoying.
Examples in context
- امشي شوية شوية.imshi shwayya shwayya.Walk slowly.
- اتكلم شوية شوية، ما حدا بيجري.itkallam shwayya shwayya, ma hada biyijri.Speak slowly, no one is running.
Example conversation
Youssef is carrying a very heavy box in the hallway.
- نور Nourيا يوسف، امشِ شوية شوية.ya Youssef, imshi shwayya shwayya.Youssef, walk slowly.
- يوسف Youssefأنا بحاول، بس الصندوق ثقيل.ana bahawil, bas al-sanduq thaqil.I am trying, but the box is heavy.
- نور Nourخليك حذر وخد وقتك.khallik hadhir wa khud waqtak.Be careful and take your time.
- يوسف Youssefتمام، رح أمشي بهدوء.tamam, rah amshi bi-hudoo'.Okay, I will walk calmly.
