Significado
Telling someone to be careful or slow down.
Contexto cultural
In Manila and surrounding provinces, 'Dahan-dahan lang' is the standard. It is often used to emphasize 'ingat' (carefulness) in the hustle and bustle of city life. While they understand 'Dahan-dahan,' the local equivalent 'Hinay-hinay lang' is much more common. Using 'Hinay-hinay' in Cebu will make you sound more like a local. The concept of 'Dahan-dahan lang' aligns perfectly with the Chinese 'Màn man lái.' It is often used in business contexts to suggest a conservative, careful approach to investment. On social media, 'Dahan-dahan lang' is often used as a comment on 'flexing' or showing off, suggesting the person should humble themselves or slow down their ego.
The 'Po' Rule
Always add 'po' (Dahan-dahan lang po) when speaking to anyone older than you or in a service position to remain polite.
Not for Emergencies
If there is immediate danger, use 'Takbo!' (Run!) or 'Ilag!' (Dodge!) instead of this phrase.
Significado
Telling someone to be careful or slow down.
The 'Po' Rule
Always add 'po' (Dahan-dahan lang po) when speaking to anyone older than you or in a service position to remain polite.
Not for Emergencies
If there is immediate danger, use 'Takbo!' (Run!) or 'Ilag!' (Dodge!) instead of this phrase.
Use it for Pacing
If a Filipino is teaching you Tagalog and going too fast, this is your best friend. Say: 'Dahan-dahan lang po, nag-aaral pa ako.'
Softening the Blow
Use this phrase before giving negative feedback to make it sound more like constructive advice.
Ponte a prueba
Which is the most natural way to tell a driver to slow down politely?
Kuya, ________ po sa pagmamaneho.
'Dahan-dahan lang' is the standard adverbial phrase for speed control with a polite 'po.'
Fill in the missing word to complete the common advice about love.
Dahan-dahan ____ sa pag-ibig.
'Lang' is the essential particle that completes this specific expression.
Match the situation to the correct use of 'Dahan-dahan lang.'
Situation: Someone is drinking a very hot soup.
You drink (inom) soup, you don't run (takbo) or sleep (tulog) it.
Complete the dialogue between a mother and a child.
Child: (Running inside the house) Mother: Anak, ________, baka ka madulas!
The mother is warning the child about slipping (madulas), so she advises him to slow down.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Dahan-dahan vs Mabagal
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosKuya, ________ po sa pagmamaneho.
'Dahan-dahan lang' is the standard adverbial phrase for speed control with a polite 'po.'
Dahan-dahan ____ sa pag-ibig.
'Lang' is the essential particle that completes this specific expression.
Situation: Someone is drinking a very hot soup.
You drink (inom) soup, you don't run (takbo) or sleep (tulog) it.
Child: (Running inside the house) Mother: Anak, ________, baka ka madulas!
The mother is warning the child about slipping (madulas), so she advises him to slow down.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but it sounds more like a direct command. Adding 'lang' makes it sound friendlier and more like a suggestion.
Mostly, yes. 'Hinay-hinay' is more common in the Visayas region, while 'Dahan-dahan' is the standard in Tagalog-speaking areas.
Use 'sa pag-' + [verb root]. Example: 'Dahan-dahan lang sa pagtakbo' (Just be slow in running).
It can be if you don't use 'po' and a polite tone. Better to say: 'Pasensya na po, maaari po bang dahan-dahan lang?'
The opposite would be 'Bilisan mo!' (Hurry up!) or 'Magmadali ka!' (Rush!).
Yes, 'Dahan-dahan lang ang boses' is understood, though 'Hinaan lang ang boses' is more common for volume.
In many contexts, yes. It implies that by going slowly, you are being careful.
Yes, 'Dahan-dahan lang sa pagkain' is a common way to advise someone to watch their diet.
Very often! It's usually shortened to 'Dahan dahan lang' or even 'Dahan lang' in very casual chats.
Reduplication in Filipino often turns a noun or adjective into an adverb of manner.
Frases relacionadas
Hinay-hinay lang
synonymTake it easy / Moderate your pace
Ingat
similarTake care
Chill lang
informalJust chill / relax
Huwag magmadali
contrastDon't rush
Unti-unti
builds onLittle by little
