Japanese word

のろい

Pronunciation

Romajinoroi

Meaning

  • i-adjectiveslow

Example

このパソコンはのろいです。ko no pa so ko n wa no ro i de su

This computer is slow.

Illustration for のろい (slow)

More examples

渋滞のせいで、バスの進みがのろくなりました。jū tai no se i de ba su no susu mi ga no ro ku na ri ma shi ta

Because of the traffic, the bus started moving slowly.

Core concept

Describes a person or thing that moves, acts, or thinks slowly, suggesting sluggish progress or dull understanding.

Common phrases

  • 動きがのろいugo ki ga no ro i

    slow movement

  • 反応がのろいhan nō ga no ro i

    slow reaction

Similar words

遅いosoi: Describes movement, action, or thought that occurs at a low speed without a critical judgment.

Definition in Japanese

動作や進行が鈍く、通常より時間がかかるさま。dō sa ya shin kō ga nibu ku tsū jō yo ri ji kan ga ka ka ru sa ma

Word origin

のろい (noroi) is a native adjective descended from Old Japanese のろし (noroshi), combining the idea of slowness or dullness with the old adjective ending し (shi), later replaced by い (i).

Usage tips

  • The neutral word 遅い (osoi) usually states that something is slow, while のろい (noroi) adds a critical tone when used about a person's ability.

Other meanings

  • stupidi-adjective

Opposites

  • 速いhayaifasti-adjective

Related words

  • のろさnorosaslownessnoun

Word lists with this word