Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Slow" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "slow", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
遅い
おそい (osoi)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
緩慢
かんまん (kanman)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "slow" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 遅い and 緩慢.
In Japanese, 遅い (おそい (osoi)) is typically associated with "slow, late" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents An i-adjective used to describe lack of speed.
On the other hand, 緩慢 (かんまん (kanman)) maps to "slow, sluggish, tardy" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Formal term, often used to describe movements, progress, or reactions that are conspicuously slow or lacking speed/promptness. Can imply a lack of urgency or efficiency.. A literal translation of "slow" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "遅い"
彼はいつも仕事が遅い。
He is always slow at work.
Bilingual Context for "緩慢"
彼は緩慢な動きで書類にサインした。
He signed the document with slow movements.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はいつも仕事が ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "He is always slow at work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "遅い" fits here because it means "slow, late" in the context of: "He is always slow at work.". "緩慢" represents "slow, sluggish, tardy".