adjective / verb HSK 5
Traditional 緩
slow · gradual · relaxed · to postpone · to delay
Meaning
缓 describes something that moves or happens slowly, gradually, or gently. It can refer to physical speed, the pace of change, or a relaxed manner. As a verb, it means to slow down, postpone, or ease something.
Usage
缓 often appears in compound words like 缓慢 (slow), 缓解 (to relieve), and 缓和 (to ease). It's commonly used in both formal and everyday contexts. Native speakers use it to describe gentle transitions, delayed actions, or reduced intensity.
Examples
- 01经济增长速度有所放缓。.The pace of economic growth has slowed down somewhat.
- 02她深呼吸来缓解紧张情绪。.She took deep breaths to ease her nervous feelings.
Common collocations
- 缓解压力to relieve pressure/stress
- 缓和关系to ease relations
- 缓慢增长slow growth
- 延缓to delay, to slow down
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 緩 contains the silk radical 糸, suggesting the idea of loosening or slackening threads, which extended metaphorically to slowing down or relaxing.