Meaning
放慢 means to deliberately slow down or reduce the speed of something. It combines 放 (to release, let go) with 慢 (slow), creating the sense of letting something become slower. This word applies to physical speed (driving, walking) as well as abstract rates (pace of work, tempo of life).
Usage
放慢 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Native speakers often use it with words like 速度 (speed), 脚步 (footsteps/pace), or 节奏 (rhythm/tempo). It suggests a voluntary or controlled reduction in speed, rather than an abrupt stop. The verb can take a direct object or be used with measure words to indicate degree.
Examples
- 01请你说话时放慢一点儿，我听不懂。, .Please slow down when you speak, I can't understand.
- 02医生建议他放慢生活节奏，多注意休息。, .The doctor advised him to slow down his pace of life and pay more attention to rest.
Characters
Common collocations
- 放慢速度to slow down speed
- 放慢脚步to slow down one's pace
- 放慢节奏to slow down the tempo/pace
- 放慢语速to slow down speech rate
Antonyms
Origin
The combination of 放 (release) and 慢 (slow) creates a compound verb meaning to allow something to become slow or to actively make something slower.