adverb HSK 2
slowly · gradually · little by little
Meaning
慢慢 is a common adverb meaning 'slowly' or 'gradually.' It's formed by repeating the character 慢 (slow), which intensifies the meaning and creates a sense of something happening at an unhurried pace over time. It's used to describe actions that take time or develop progressively.
Usage
慢慢 is frequently used in everyday speech to encourage patience or to describe gradual processes. It often appears before verbs to modify how an action is performed. Common in phrases like 慢慢来 (take your time) and 慢慢走 (walk slowly / take care). It has a gentle, reassuring tone.
Examples
- 01别着急，我们慢慢来。, .Don't worry, let's take our time.
- 02他慢慢地走上楼梯。.He slowly walked up the stairs.
Characters
Common collocations
- 慢慢来take your time, no rush
- 慢慢走walk slowly / take care (farewell)
- 慢慢吃eat slowly, take your time eating
- 慢慢学learn gradually
Antonyms
Origin
慢慢 is formed through reduplication of 慢, a common pattern in Chinese that softens or intensifies adjectives and creates adverbs with a durative sense.