緩慢|かんまんkanman[0]heiban (flat)

Common
Definitions
  1. na-adjective, nounslow; sluggish; dull; slack; inactive
    コンピューターは、たとえ緩慢かんまんにせよ大おおきな変化へんかを引き起ひきおこした。↗
    Computers caused a great, if gradual, change.
  2. na-adjective, nounlax (regulation, handling, etc.); slack; sloppy
Conjugation
Plain form緩慢(かんまん)
Polite (desu)緩慢です(かんまんです)
Negative (dewa nai)緩慢ではない(かんまんではない)
polite (dewa arimasen)緩慢ではありません(かんまんではありません)
Past (datta)緩慢だった(かんまんだった)
Past negative (dewa nakatta)緩慢ではなかった(かんまんではなかった)
Te form (de)緩慢で(かんまんで)
Adverbial (ni)緩慢に(かんまんに)
Conditional (nara)緩慢なら(かんまんなら)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym遅いおそいNeutralThe everyday word for slow; written 「晩い」 it also means late. 「緩慢」 is more formal, covering slow movements or changes and lax handling.
  • SynonymのろいCasualThe same word 「遅い」 as above; written 「鈍い」 it covers only slow speed and sluggish movement, never lateness. 「緩慢」 is more objective and formal.
  • SynonymスローNeutralA loanword for slow speed, as in 「スローモーション」. 「緩慢」 is more formal and can also describe lax handling.
  • SynonymとろいCasualSlang for a person who is slow or dull to react; derogatory. 「緩慢」 objectively describes slow movements or changes.
  • RelatedのろまCasualAn insult for a slow, unalert person. 「緩慢」 describes movements, changes, or handling.
  • Related緩いゆるいNeutralMeans loose, and also gentle slopes or lax rules. 「緩慢」 focuses on slow speed and can also mean lax handling.
  • RelatedどんくさいCasualSlang for clumsy, slow reactions; derogatory. 「緩慢」 means slow movement or lax handling, without the clumsiness nuance.
  • Related鈍臭いのろくさいCasualThe same word 「鈍くさい」 as above; written 「鈍臭い」 it is a colloquial insult for dullness and clumsiness. 「緩慢」 is more formal, for sluggishness or poor handling.
  • Related鈍重どんじゅうWrittenA formal word for heavy, sluggish movements or a dull, stolid nature. 「緩慢」 focuses on slow speed or lax handling.
  • Related愚図ぐずCasualA derogatory word for someone who dawdles, often a child. 「緩慢」 describes movements or changes.
  • Antonym迅速じんそくWrittenA formal antonym meaning swift, as in 「迅速な対応」; the opposite of 「緩慢」's sluggishness.
  • Antonym敏捷びんしょうWrittenA formal antonym for nimble, agile movement; contrasts with 「緩慢」's slowness.

In everyday speech say 「遅い」. Use 「緩慢」 for slow movements or changes and for lax handling, as in 「緩慢な動き」. To call a person slow, use 「とろい」 or 「のろま」; for swift action, say 「迅速」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. 動うごきや変化へんかが遅おそいこと。進行しんこうがゆっくりしていること。
  2. 対処たいしょや措置そちが手てぬるい様子ようす。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android