Inklingo
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lento

/LEN-toh/

slow

A bright red snail crawling very slowly across a large green leaf, illustrating slow physical movement.

Lento describes something moving at a slow physical speed, like this snail.

lento(adjective)

mA1

slow

?

physical speed or pace

Also:

unhurried

?

describing a person or action

📝 In Action

El caracol es un animal muy lento.

A1

The snail is a very slow animal.

Tuvimos que ir a paso lento por la nieve.

A2

We had to go at a slow pace because of the snow.

La película era buena, pero el ritmo era un poco lento.

B1

The movie was good, but the pace was a bit slow.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • despacio (slowly (adverb))
  • pausado (slow, measured)

Antonyms

  • rápido (fast)
  • veloz (quick)

Common Collocations

  • a paso lento – at a slow pace
  • movimiento lento – slow movement

💡 Grammar Points

Agreement with Gender and Number

Since 'lento' is a descriptive word, it must match the gender and number of the thing it describes. Use lenta for feminine singular things (la tortuga lenta), lentos for masculine plural things, and lentas for feminine plural things.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Adjective vs. Adverb

Mistake: "Using 'lento' to describe an action instead of the adverb 'lentamente' or 'despacio.' (e.g., *Habla lento*)"

Correction: To describe how someone does an action, use the adverb: *Habla lentamente* or *Habla despacio* (He speaks slowly).

⭐ Usage Tips

Lento vs. Despacio

'Lento' describes the noun (The car is slow: El coche es lento). 'Despacio' is an adverb that describes the action (Drive slowly: Conduce despacio). Use lento only when describing a permanent or temporary quality of a person or thing.

A simple cartoon desktop computer unit sitting on a desk, illustrated with a large drop of sweat rolling down its side, symbolizing struggling and sluggish performance.

Lento can also mean sluggish when referring to technology or system performance.

lento(adjective)

mB1

sluggish

?

technology or system performance

Also:

slow-witted

?

mental slowness

,

dull

?

describing a process or mind

📝 In Action

Mi conexión a internet está muy lenta hoy, no puedo descargar nada.

B1

My internet connection is very sluggish today, I can't download anything.

Es un poco lento para captar las indirectas.

B2

He is a bit slow to get the hints.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • torpe (clumsy, dull)
  • pesado (heavy, burdensome)

Antonyms

  • ágil (agile, quick)

Common Collocations

  • computadora lenta – slow computer
  • proceso lento – slow process (abstract)

❌ Common Pitfalls

Permanent vs. Temporary Slowness

Mistake: "Using *estar* for inherent mental slowness (e.g., *Mi hijo está lento*)."

Correction: If you mean a person is naturally slow-witted, use *ser*: *Mi hijo es lento*. Use *estar* only to describe a temporary condition, like a slow internet connection (*Mi wifi está lenta*).

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with 'Para'

You often use 'lento' followed by 'para' (for) to specify what someone is slow at: Es lento para reaccionar (He is slow to react).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: lento

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the adverb form of 'lento'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

lentitud(slowness) - noun
lentamente(slowly) - adverb
enlentecer(to slow down) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'lento' always negative?

No, not always. While it usually means 'slow,' it can describe a desirable quality, like a 'lento paseo' (slow, leisurely stroll) or a 'fuego lento' (slow, gentle fire) when cooking.

How do I say 'slow motion'?

The common Spanish phrase is *a cámara lenta* (literally, 'at slow camera') or *en cámara lenta*.