Spanish word

despacio

Pronunciation

IPA/desˈpaθjo/

Meaning

  • adverbslowly

Example

Por favor, habla despacio para que te entienda.

Please speak slowly so that I can understand you.

Illustration for despacio (slowly)

More examples

¿Puedes repetirlo más despacio, por favor?

Can you repeat it more slowly, please?

Core concept

A clock hand moving slowly around the dial.

Common phrases

  • hablar despacio

    speak slowly

  • más despacio

    more slowly

Similar words

lentamente: Action takes place at a slow, steady speed, simply indicating reduced tempo.
tranquilamente: Action proceeds in a calm, relaxed way, showing unhurried composure.

Definition in Spanish

Marca baja velocidad en la realización de una acción, equivalente en muchos contextos a 'lentamente'.

Word origin

Originates from de + paso, where paso (from Latin passus) means 'step', giving the notion of reduced pace or slow progression.

Usage tips

  • More common in informal speech than the more formal lentamente, so English speakers will typically hear and use despacio in everyday requests to slow down.

Opposites

Word lists with this word