Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Slow: Describes a speed, pace, or rhythm that is significantly below the normal or expected level; unhurried and deliberate.
   • Sluggish / Unagile: Describes a person's manner, movement, or mental process that lacks quickness, alertness, or dexterity; not nimble.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Tiến độ công việc rất chậm chạp. (The work progress is very slow.)
  • Cậu bé ấy có dáng đi chậm chạp. (That boy has a slow, sluggish gait.)
  • Máy tính cũ này chạy chậm chạp. (This old computer runs slowly.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "chậm chạp" often carries a negative connotation, implying inefficiency, a lack of urgency, or a frustrating delay, unlike the more neutral "chậm" (slow).
• It can describe abstract processes: (The economic recovery is proceeding sluggishly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chậm (adj): Slow. A more general and neutral term.

  • Xin hãy nói chậm thôi. (Please speak slowly.)

• Chậm rãi (adj): Slow and steady, often with a positive connotation of being calm, deliberate, and unhurried.

  • Ông ước nói chuyện một cách chậm rãi. (He speaks in a slow, measured manner.)

• Lề mề (adj): Dilatory, tardy; slow in a way that suggests procrastination or wasting time.

  • Đừng có lề mề, chúng ta sắp trễ rồi. (Don't dawdle, we're going to be late.)

Synonyms

• Slow: Moving or operating at a low speed.
• Sluggish: Lacking energy or alertness; slow to respond.
• Leisurely: Acting in an unhurried, relaxed manner.
• Plodding: Slow-moving and unexciting.

Antonyms

• Nhanh: Fast, quick.
• Nhanh nhẹn: Agile, nimble.
• Linh hoạt: Flexible, agile.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Chậm như rùa: As slow as a turtle; very slow.

  • Chiếc xe tải chở đầy hàng chạy chậm như rùa. (The fully loaded truck moved as slow as a turtle.)

• Nhanh nhẩu đoảng, chậm chạp khôn: (Proverb) Literally "Hasty makes errors, slow brings wisdom"; similar to "Haste makes waste."

adj

1. Slow
   • bước tiến chậm chạp
     a slow advance
   • dáng điệu chậm chạp
     a slow gait