Japanese word

テンポ

Pronunciation

Romajitenpo

Meaning

  • nounpace

Example

会話のテンポが速いです。kai wa no te n po ga haya i de su

The pace of the conversation is fast.

Illustration for テンポ (pace)

More examples

発表では、内容に合わせて話すテンポを変えます。hap pyō de wa nai yō ni a wa se te hana su te n po o ka e ma su

In a presentation, I change my speaking pace to match the content.

Core concept

Describes the speed and rhythmic flow that determines how an activity or conversation feels as it progresses.

Common phrases

  • テンポが速いte n po ga haya i

    fast-paced

  • テンポが遅いte n po ga oso i

    slow-paced

  • テンポを合わせるte n po o a wa se ru

    match the pace

Similar words

ペースpēsu: The rate at which an activity or conversation progresses.
リズムrizumu: The recurring pattern of timing and pauses in an activity or conversation.
速さhayasa: The degree of speed at which an action or process proceeds.

Definition in Japanese

会話や物事の進み方における速さやリズム。kai wa ya mono goto no susu mi kata ni o ke ru haya sa ya ri zu mu

Word origin

テンポ (tenpo, "pace") is borrowed from German Tempo and ultimately derives from Italian tempo, meaning "time".

Usage tips

  • In Japanese conversation, テンポ (tenpo) often refers to the flow created by the timing of turns and pauses, not only to speed.

Related words

  • テンポ感tenpokansense of pacenoun

Word lists with this word