German word

Tempo

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtɛmpoː/

Meaning

  • neuter nounpace

Example

Ich muss mein Tempo reduzieren.

I must slow my pace.

Illustration for Tempo (pace)

More examples

Beim Tanzen müssen die Partner ihr Tempo aufeinander abstimmen.

When dancing, the partners must match their pace.

Core concept

A process moving along a track with an adjustable speed dial, from slow progress to rapid motion.

Common phrases

  • mit ruhigem Tempo sprechen

    speak at a calm pace

  • ein konstantes Tempo beibehalten

    keep a steady pace

  • das Tempo variieren

    vary the pace

Similar words

Geschwindigkeit: The measurable speed of movement or travel.
Schnelligkeit: The quality of being fast in action or processing.
Eile: A rushed state caused by limited time or pressing circumstances.
Takt: A rhythm or sense of timing in conversation or work.

Definition in German

Tempo beschreibt die Geschwindigkeit eines Vorgangs und ihre mögliche Veränderung über die Zeit.

Word origin

German borrowed Tempo from Italian, ultimately from Latin tempus, and extended the musical sense of speed to the pace of any process.

Usage tips

  • Tempo is neuter: das Tempo, with the plural forms Tempi and Tempos; it commonly refers to ordinary speed as well as musical speed.

Other meanings

  • speednoun
  • temponoun

Opposites

  • Langsamkeitslownessnoun

Related words

  • temporeichfast-pacedadjective
  • Tempogefühlsense of pacenoun

Word lists with this word