慢
slow
màn
What does 慢 mean?
慢 (màn) is the adjective 'slow' — describing low speed, slow pace, or someone who acts unhurriedly. Like other Chinese adjectives, it doesn't take 'is' as a separate verb: '他很慢' (tā hěn màn) literally 'he very slow' = 'he is slow.' To compare, use 比: 我比他慢 ('I'm slower than him'). 慢 also forms the polite parting 慢走 (màn zǒu, 'walk slowly') — what a host says to a departing guest, equivalent to 'take care.' The doubled adverbial 慢慢 (mànmàn) means 'slowly / gradually' and pairs with 来 (慢慢来 = 'take your time') and 吃 (慢慢吃 = 'enjoy your meal,' literally 'eat slowly'). The opposite is 快 (kuài, 'fast'). Telling someone 慢一点 (màn yìdiǎn) means 'a bit slower, please' — useful in conversation.
Character breakdown
slow (忄 'heart' radical on the left, suggesting an unhurried mind)
Memory hook: The 心/忄 (heart) radical is on the left — a calm, unhurried heart moves slowly.
Example sentences
他说话很慢。
Tā shuō huà hěn màn.
He speaks very slowly.
neutral
请慢一点儿。
Qǐng màn yìdiǎnr.
A little slower, please.
spoken, polite
慢走，再见！
Màn zǒu, zàijiàn!
Take care, goodbye!
spoken
别着急，慢慢来。
Bié zháojí, mànmàn lái.
Don't worry, take your time.
spoken
今天的火车比较慢。
Jīntiān de huǒchē bǐjiào màn.
Today's train is relatively slow.
neutral
Common phrases with 慢
Synonyms
缓慢 is a more formal/written word for 'slow,' used in news or descriptions ('economic growth is slow'). In everyday speech, use 慢.
Don't confuse 慢 with
漫 (màn) has the 氵 'water' radical and means 'overflow' or 'free-flowing' — appears in 浪漫 'romantic' and 漫画 'comics/manga.' Same pronunciation as 慢 but different meaning.
忙 (máng, second tone) means 'busy.' Both have the heart radical 忄 but 慢 is 'slow' (fourth tone) and 忙 is 'busy' (second tone). Easy to mix up because both relate to time/pace.
满 (mǎn, third tone) means 'full.' Different tone, different meaning, but the shape and pronunciation can trip up beginners.