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Slow
بطيئ (batiʾ) is an adjective meaning 'slow' in Arabic, used to describe something or someone that moves, acts, or progresses at a reduced pace. It can be applied literally to physical movement or figuratively to processes, comprehension, or reactions. The word is commonly used in everyday Arabic to describe everything from slow traffic to slow learners.
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السيارة تسير ببطء شديد في الشارع المزدحم.
As-sayyārah tasīr bi-butʾ shadīd fī ash-shāriʿ al-muzdaḥim.
The car is moving very slowly in the crowded street.
هذا الطالب بطيء في الفهم لكنه مجتهد.
Hādhā aṭ-ṭālib batiʾ fī al-fahm lākin-hu mujtahid.
This student is slow to understand, but he is diligent.
الإنترنت بطيء جداً اليوم.
Al-intarnit batiʾ jiddan al-yawm.
The internet is very slow today.
لا تكن بطيئاً في اتخاذ القرارات المهمة.
Lā takun batiʾan fī ittakhādh al-qarārāt al-muhimmah.
Don't be slow in making important decisions.
الخطوات البطيئة تؤدي إلى النجاح الدائم.
Al-khuṭwāt al-batiʾah taʾaddī ilā an-najāḥ ad-dāʾim.
Slow steps lead to lasting success.
In Arabic-speaking cultures, the concept of 'slow' often carries nuances beyond physical speed. It can reflect patience and deliberation, valued traits in decision-making and traditional practices. The phrase 'slow but steady' reflects cultural appreciation for persistence, and describing someone as 'بطيء' in understanding doesn't necessarily carry the negative connotation it might in some Western contexts.
Remember that بطيئ agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies: بطيئ (masculine singular), بطيئة (feminine singular), بطيئون (masculine plural), بطيئات (feminine plural). Use it as an adjective directly before or after nouns, or with the verb 'to be' (كان/يكون). Note that بطء (without the yāʾ) is the noun form meaning 'slowness' and is used differently grammatically.
The Arabic word بطيئ (batiʾ) is an adjective that means 'slow' in English. It describes the quality of moving, acting, progressing, or occurring at a reduced or leisurely pace. This word is fundamental to everyday Arabic communication and appears frequently in daily conversations, news, and literature.
Being an adjective, بطيئ must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes:
For example: "طالب بطيء" (ṭālib batiʾ - a slow student) versus "طالبة بطيئة" (ṭālibah batiʾah - a slow female student).
Physical Movement: When describing literal slowness of movement, بطيئ is used directly: "سيارة بطيئة" (a slow car) or "خطوات بطيئة" (slow steps).
Mental or Processing Speed: The word extends metaphorically to describe slow comprehension or mental processing: "فهم بطيء" (slow understanding) or "تعلم بطيء" (slow learning).
Services and Systems: Modern usage includes describing slow internet, slow service, or delayed responses: "الخدمة بطيئة" (the service is slow).
The root word بطء (butʾ) is the noun form meaning 'slowness.' The adverbial form ببطء (bi-butʾ) means 'slowly' and is used with verbs: "يمشي ببطء" (he walks slowly). The verb يتبطأ (yatabattaʾ) means 'to slow down' or 'to move slowly.'
In Arabic-speaking cultures, slowness is often associated with deliberation, patience, and careful consideration—qualities highly valued in decision-making, negotiations, and traditional practices. The cultural proverb suggesting that 'slow but steady progress leads to lasting success' reflects appreciation for persistence over rushed action. Understanding this cultural nuance helps learners appreciate why describing something as slow doesn't always carry negative implications in Arabic contexts.
When learning to use بطيئ, remember to match it with the noun's gender and number. Additionally, understand that in Arabic, you can say 'he is slow' as either "هو بطيء" (huwa batiʾ) or "هو شخص بطيء" (huwa shakhṣ batiʾ). Pay attention to context to determine whether slowness is being described literally (speed) or figuratively (comprehension, reaction time). Practicing with common phrases will help integrate this word into your active vocabulary.
The opposite of بطيئ is سريع (sarīʿ), meaning 'fast' or 'quick.' Understanding both terms allows for richer expression and comparison: "هذا سريع وذاك بطيء" (this one is fast and that one is slow). Other related contrasting concepts include ثقيل الحركة (heavy/sluggish in movement) versus خفيف الحركة (light/nimble in movement).
Use بطيئ when describing everyday situations: traffic, internet speeds, student comprehension, service quality, or personal movement. It's an essential adjective for discussing pace and speed in any context, making it crucial for anyone seeking to communicate effectively in Arabic about how quickly or slowly something is happening or being processed.