lentamente
len-tah-MEN-teh
📝 In Action
El caracol camina lentamente por la hoja.
A1The snail walks slowly along the leaf.
Por favor, habla más lentamente para que pueda entenderte.
A2Please speak more slowly so I can understand you.
Las cosas están cambiando lentamente en la empresa.
B1Things are changing gradually in the company.
💡 Grammar Points
The '-mente' Adverb Pattern
In Spanish, you can often turn a describing word (adjective) into an action-describing word (adverb) by taking the feminine form of the adjective (lenta) and adding the ending -mente.
Adverbs are Fixed
Adverbs like 'lentamente' always stay the same. They don't change their ending based on who is doing the action or how many people are involved.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Adjective and Adverb
Mistake: "Hablo lento. (I speak slow.)"
Correction: Hablo lentamente. (I speak slowly.) The adverb form is needed because you are describing the verb (how you speak), not yourself.
⭐ Usage Tips
Alternative: Using 'Despacio'
While 'lentamente' is perfect, if you are specifically talking about physical speed or asking someone to slow down, 'despacio' is often a very common and natural alternative: 'Conduce despacio' (Drive slowly).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: lentamente
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the word to describe the action?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'lentamente' the only way to say 'slowly'?
No, the word 'despacio' is a very common and often interchangeable synonym, especially when talking about physical movement or asking someone to reduce their speed.
How do I know when to use '-mente'?
The '-mente' ending is the standard way to create Spanish adverbs that describe the manner of an action (like English '-ly'). You start with the adjective (e.g., 'normal,' 'fácil,' 'lenta') and add '-mente' to describe the verb.