adverb HSK 2
slowly · gradually · little by little
Meaning
This adverb describes doing something at a slow pace or in a gradual manner. It's formed by duplicating the adjective 慢 (slow) and adding the adverbial particle 地. The reduplication emphasizes the slowness or gradualness of the action.
Usage
慢慢地 is extremely common in everyday speech and writing. It typically comes before a verb to describe how an action is performed. Native speakers often shorten it to just 慢慢 in casual conversation, dropping the 地. It can describe physical speed or the gradual progression of a process or change.
Examples
- 01你慢慢地说，我听不懂。, .Speak slowly, I don't understand.
- 02天气慢慢地变冷了。.The weather is gradually getting colder.
Characters
Common collocations
- 慢慢来take your time
- 慢慢走walk slowly / take care (farewell)
- 慢慢吃eat slowly
- 慢慢学learn gradually
Antonyms
Origin
The character 慢 originally meant 'arrogant' or 'disrespectful' but evolved to mean 'slow' in modern Chinese. The reduplication pattern intensifies or softens the quality, while 地 marks it as an adverb modifying verbs.