Meaning
To move or progress extremely slowly, like a turtle.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this phrase is used frequently in daily life, especially regarding public transport or bureaucracy. Mexicans often use this to describe traffic in Mexico City, which is notoriously slow. Used commonly to describe the slow pace of government processes or economic changes. Used in casual conversation to describe anything that is taking too long.
Use it for emphasis
Don't use it for every slow thing. Save it for when you are actually frustrated or want to emphasize the slowness.
Don't pluralize
It is always 'a paso de tortuga', never 'a pasos de tortuga'.
Meaning
To move or progress extremely slowly, like a turtle.
Use it for emphasis
Don't use it for every slow thing. Save it for when you are actually frustrated or want to emphasize the slowness.
Don't pluralize
It is always 'a paso de tortuga', never 'a pasos de tortuga'.
Combine with verbs
It works best with verbs like 'ir', 'caminar', 'avanzar', and 'moverse'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
El tráfico hoy va ________.
The idiom for slow movement is 'a paso de tortuga'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
The phrase is fixed: 'a paso de tortuga'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Por qué tardas tanto? B: Es que el bus va ________.
The context implies the bus is slow.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are stuck in a long line at the supermarket.
This describes a slow-moving line.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEl tráfico hoy va ________.
The idiom for slow movement is 'a paso de tortuga'.
Choose the correct option:
The phrase is fixed: 'a paso de tortuga'.
A: ¿Por qué tardas tanto? B: Es que el bus va ________.
The context implies the bus is slow.
You are stuck in a long line at the supermarket.
This describes a slow-moving line.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is better to use 'lentamente' or 'con lentitud' in very formal writing.
No, it is not offensive, but it can be critical of efficiency.
Because turtles are universally seen as slow.
No, the phrase is fixed.
Yes, you can say 'Juan camina a paso de tortuga'.
Yes, it is understood everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world.
It means 'step' or 'pace'.
No, that is incorrect.
It is more descriptive and idiomatic than just 'lento'.
Use it in sentences about traffic or work.
Related Phrases
A paso lento
synonymAt a slow pace
Ir despacio
similarTo go slowly
A paso de buey
similarAt the pace of an ox
Más lento que una tortuga
builds onSlower than a turtle
