1.
slow, sluggish, gradual, unhurried
Describes movement, progress, or action that is slow and lacking speed or urgency. Can be neutral (gradual change) or negative (sluggish response).
緩慢な動き
slow movement
回復は緩慢だが、確実に進んでいる。
Recovery is slow but steadily progressing.
対応の緩慢さが被害を拡大させた。
The slowness of the response exacerbated the damage.
ADJECTIVE TYPE: Na-adjective. Uses な before nouns: 緩慢な進行.
NOUN FORM: 緩慢さ (slowness, sluggishness)
NUANCE: 緩慢 can be neutral (describing gradual, unhurried change) or negative (criticizing slow, inadequate response). Context determines the connotation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 緩慢な動き/進行 (slow movement/progress)
- 緩慢な対応 (slow response)
- 緩慢な変化 (gradual change)
- 緩慢さ (sluggishness)
RELATED WORDS:
- 鈍重 (dull, ponderous - more negative)
- ゆっくり (slowly - more neutral/casual)
- 遅い (slow, late - more common)
- 迅速 (swift, prompt - opposite)