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March 24, 2026
慢màn(man4)
The character 慢 (màn) means 'slow' or 'slowly' and is used to describe both speed and pace in various contexts. It can refer to physical movement, the pace of life, or even the speed at which someone learns or understands something. Additionally, it conveys a sense of leisurely or unhurried action.
Strokes14Radical忄Frequency#1042DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'slow' is often valued in the context of traditional practices, such as tea ceremonies, where taking time is essential for appreciation and mindfulness. The idea of a slower pace can also reflect a lifestyle choice against the fast-paced urban living.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tortoise (which represents slowness) wearing a slow-motion cape. The character 慢 is made up of '心' (heart) and '漫' (to spread or to flow), suggesting that slow moments allow your heart to spread and enjoy the journey. The pronunciation 'màn' sounds like 'man' who takes his time.
Meanings of 慢
màn(man4)
1slow
2slowly, leisurely; sluggish
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 慢
慢Simplified
14Strokes
忄Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1042Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 慢
Podcast: 慢
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AI Study Notes for 慢
Quick Contrast
迟 (chí, late) — use 慢 to emphasize a slow pace or leisurely action, while 迟 focuses on being late or delayed.
Usage Notes
Learners should be cautious not to confuse 慢 (màn) with 快 (kuài), which means 'fast.' It's often used in informal speech, such as telling someone to '慢一点' (màn yīdiǎn - 'slow down a bit'). Additionally, be aware of the tonal pronunciation to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 慢 connects with other descriptive adjectives like 快 (kuài - fast) and 漂亮 (piàoliang - beautiful). Focus on using it in simple sentences to describe actions or objects, enhancing your vocabulary around movement and pace.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 慢 in contexts that require an adverbial form, such as saying '他慢走' instead of '他走得慢' (Tā zǒu de màn) which correctly means 'He walks slowly.' Another common error is confusing it with other similar-sounding words.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 慢
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Phonosemantic compound. 忄 represents the meaning and 曼 represents the sound.
1The meaning half忄 carries the sense.
2The sound half曼 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayheart
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 慢? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 慢?
Decomposition of 慢
IDS Structure⿰忄曼
慢Full Character
=
忄xin1
left
曼man4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 慢?
How to say slow in Chinese
“slow” in Chinese is慢màn
The character 慢 (màn) means 'slow' or 'slowly' and is used to describe both speed and pace in various contexts. It can refer to physical movement, the pace of life, or even the speed at which someone learns or understands something. Additionally, it conveys a sense of leisurely or unhurried action.
When to use 慢
Learners should be cautious not to confuse 慢 (màn) with 快 (kuài), which means 'fast.' It's often used in informal speech, such as telling someone to '慢一点' (màn yīdiǎn - 'slow down a bit'). Additionally, be aware of the tonal pronunciation to avoid misunderstandings.
慢 or something close to it
迟 (chí, late) — use 慢 to emphasize a slow pace or leisurely action, while 迟 focuses on being late or delayed.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 慢 in contexts that require an adverbial form, such as saying '他慢走' instead of '他走得慢' (Tā zǒu de màn) which correctly means 'He walks slowly.' Another common error is confusing it with other similar-sounding words.
Write 慢
慢
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Grammar Patterns of 慢
慢 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
