Spanish word

lento

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlento/

Meaning

  • adjectiveslow

Example

El tren es lento.

The train is slow.

Illustration for lento (slow)

More examples

El proceso fue lento después de la operación.

The process was slow after the operation.

Core concept

A tortoise plodding along a dusty road.

Common phrases

  • movimiento lento

    slow movement

  • ritmo lento

    slow rhythm

  • andar lento

    walk slowly

Similar words

perezoso: Acts or delays tasks from low motivation, showing laziness that slows work or decisions.
pausado: Speaks or moves in a calm, unhurried, measured way, keeping a slow tempo.
torpe: Performs actions awkwardly or clumsily, often reacting slowly or mishandling things.

Definition in Spanish

Que lleva mucho tiempo en completarse o que muestra poca rapidez en respuesta o movimiento.

Word origin

Derived from Latin lentus meaning 'slow' or 'pliant', Spanish lento denotes something that takes a long time or shows little quickness.

Usage tips

  • Describing a person as 'eres lento' often sounds insulting in Spanish, whereas 'está lento' or phrases like 'tarda mucho' typically refer to temporary or situational slowness.

Other meanings

  • slowlyadverb
  • dulladjective

Opposites

  • velozfastadjective
  • rápidoquickadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word