Meaning
At a low speed.
Cultural Background
The proverb 'آهسته برو، همیشه برو' reflects the Iranian value of 'Sabr' (patience). It suggests that consistent, moderate effort is superior to intense but short-lived bursts. In Dari Persian, 'آهسته' is also used in the famous wedding song 'Ahesta Boro,' played as the bride walks slowly to the throne. It signifies a dignified transition to her new life. Tajik Persian preserves many classical uses of 'آهسته' in poetry and formal speech, often emphasizing the 'gentle' aspect of the word more than the 'slow' aspect. Sufi poets like Rumi use 'آهسته' to describe the soul's journey toward the Divine—a process that cannot be rushed and requires quiet contemplation.
The Universal Politeness Word
If you don't know how to ask someone to be more gentle, just say 'آهسته' with a smile. It works for speed, volume, and intensity.
Don't say 'I am slow'
Avoid saying 'Man āhesteh hastam' to mean you are late. It sounds like you are describing your physical nature as a slow person.
Meaning
At a low speed.
The Universal Politeness Word
If you don't know how to ask someone to be more gentle, just say 'آهسته' with a smile. It works for speed, volume, and intensity.
Don't say 'I am slow'
Avoid saying 'Man āhesteh hastam' to mean you are late. It sounds like you are describing your physical nature as a slow person.
Use with 'Kardan'
Combine it with 'kardan' (to do/make) to say 'slow down' or 'turn down': 'آهسته کن'.
Ta'arof and Volume
Speaking 'آهسته' is a key part of Iranian politeness. Shouting is often seen as a lack of 'Tarbiat' (upbringing).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'آهسته'.
راننده باید در کوچه ... براند.
A driver should drive 'slowly' (آهسته) in an alley for safety.
Which sentence means 'Speak quietly'?
کدام جمله درست است؟
'آهسته' is used for both slow speed and quiet volume.
Match the Persian word with its English meaning.
Match the following:
آهسته means slowly, tond means fast, dir means late, and zood means early.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا اینقدر تند راه میروی؟ B: ببخشید، بیا ... راه برویم.
If someone is walking too fast (تند), the logical response is to walk slowly (آهسته).
In which situation would you say 'آهسته'?
In a library where people are studying.
You use 'آهسته' to ask people to speak quietly in a library.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
آهسته vs. یواش
Practice Bank
5 exercisesراننده باید در کوچه ... براند.
A driver should drive 'slowly' (آهسته) in an alley for safety.
کدام جمله درست است؟
'آهسته' is used for both slow speed and quiet volume.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
آهسته means slowly, tond means fast, dir means late, and zood means early.
A: چرا اینقدر تند راه میروی؟ B: ببخشید، بیا ... راه برویم.
If someone is walking too fast (تند), the logical response is to walk slowly (آهسته).
In a library where people are studying.
You use 'آهسته' to ask people to speak quietly in a library.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it can mean quiet volume, but it also means slow speed. Context tells you which one is meant.
Yes, you can say 'کامپیوتر من آهسته است', though 'کند' (kond) is more common for technology.
The opposite is 'تند' (tond), which means both fast and loud.
Add '-tar' to the end: 'آهستهتر' (āhesteh-tar).
No, but it is very informal. Don't use it with your boss or in a formal speech; use 'آهسته' instead.
Yes, if you open a door 'آهسته', it implies you are doing it gently and carefully.
In spoken Persian, the final 'h' is often silent, so it sounds like it ends in a short 'e' vowel.
Not really. For food that takes a long time to cook, we use 'جا افتاده' (ja oftadeh). For eating slowly, yes, use 'آهسته'.
'به آرامی' is more formal and literally means 'with calmness.' 'آهسته' is more common in daily life.
Yes, an 'آدم آهسته' is someone who is unhurried and calm, though it's not a very common personality descriptor.
Related Phrases
یواش
synonymSlowly/Quietly (Informal)
به آرامی
similarCalmly/Gradually
کند
similarSlow (Technical)
تند
contrastFast/Loud
آهسته و پیوسته
builds onSlow and steady
آرام
similarQuiet/Peaceful
