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Vocabulary
آهسته

A1 adjective #1,000 most common 11 min read

آهسته

Q: How do I ask someone to speak more slowly?

The most natural and polite way is to say 'میشه لطفاً آهستهتر صحبت کنید؟' (Mishe lotfan aheste-tar sohbat konid?). This uses the comparative form 'آهستهتر' (more slowly).

ahesté Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips آهسته in 30 Seconds

Explanation آهسته in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 'آهسته' as a fundamental vocabulary word essential for basic survival and daily communication. The primary focus is on its most direct translation: 'slow'. Beginners learn to use it in simple, imperative sentences to control the speed of actions around them. For example, when speaking to a taxi driver, an A1 learner can simply say 'آهسته، لطفاً' (Slowly, please) to ask the driver to reduce their speed. This single word can act as a complete, understandable sentence in context. Additionally, A1 learners are taught the crucial secondary meaning of 'quiet'. This is often introduced in classroom settings where a teacher might say 'آهسته صحبت کنید' (Speak quietly/slowly). Understanding that one word covers both concepts prevents early confusion. Grammatically, at this stage, learners practice placing 'آهسته' directly before common verbs like 'رفتن' (to go) or 'آمدن' (to come). They also learn the basic opposite, 'تند' (fast) or 'سریع' (quick), to create simple contrasts. The goal at A1 is not complex sentence structure, but rather immediate, practical utility. Recognizing the word on street signs or hearing it as a command from a native speaker is the primary objective. Memorizing 'آهسته' at this level provides a critical tool for navigating physical spaces safely and interacting politely in environments that require low volume, laying a solid foundation for more complex adverbial usage in later stages of learning.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'آهسته' beyond simple one-word commands into more structured, descriptive sentences. They begin to use it comfortably as an adverb of manner to describe daily routines and past actions. For instance, an A2 learner can construct sentences like 'دیروز من آهسته قدم زدم' (Yesterday, I walked slowly) or 'او همیشه آهسته غذا می‌خورد' (He always eats slowly). This demonstrates an understanding of adverb placement in standard Persian syntax, typically right before the verb. Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to the comparative form 'آهسته‌تر' (slower/more quietly). This is a highly practical addition, allowing them to make polite requests such as 'میشه آهسته‌تر صحبت کنید؟' (Can you speak more slowly/quietly?), which is an indispensable phrase for language learners trying to understand native speakers. They also start to differentiate 'آهسته' from informal synonyms like 'یواش' (yavash), recognizing that while 'آهسته' is universally acceptable, 'یواش' might be heard more often in casual street conversations. The concept of using 'آهسته' as an adjective with the Ezafe (e.g., ماشینِ آهسته - a slow car) is also practiced, though learners are cautioned to use 'کند' for mechanical slowness. By the end of A2, 'آهسته' is a fully integrated part of the learner's active vocabulary, used confidently to describe actions, make comparisons, and politely manage the speed and volume of interactions in everyday social and travel situations.

At the B1 level, learners begin to use 'آهسته' in more complex narratives and connected speech. They move beyond isolated sentences and use the word to add detail and atmosphere to stories or descriptions of events. For example, when recounting a past experience, a B1 learner might say, 'وقتی وارد اتاق شدم، او آهسته در حال خواندن کتاب بود' (When I entered the room, he was slowly/quietly reading a book). This shows the ability to integrate adverbs of manner into continuous past tenses. A key development at this stage is the introduction of reduplication: 'آهسته آهسته'. Learners understand that repeating the word changes its meaning from a simple description of speed to a description of a gradual process, translating to 'gradually', 'little by little', or 'step by step'. Sentences like 'هوا آهسته آهسته سرد می‌شود' (The weather is gradually getting cold) become part of their repertoire. B1 learners also become more adept at navigating the nuances between 'آهسته', 'آرام' (calm/quiet), and 'کند' (slow/blunt), choosing the correct word based on the specific context rather than relying on direct English translations. They understand that 'آهسته' implies a deliberate or careful slowness, whereas 'کند' might imply frustration. This level marks a transition from using the word purely for functional commands to using it for expressive, descriptive communication, allowing learners to articulate their thoughts and observations with greater precision and natural flow.

At the B2 level, learners demonstrate a high degree of fluency and cultural awareness in their use of 'آهسته'. They can seamlessly switch between its literal meanings (speed and volume) and its metaphorical applications. B2 learners confidently use 'آهسته' to discuss abstract concepts, such as economic trends, social changes, or personal development. For instance, they might write or say, 'رشد اقتصادی در این فصل بسیار آهسته بوده است' (Economic growth has been very slow this quarter). They are fully comfortable with the formal and informal registers, knowing exactly when to use 'آهسته' in a professional email and when to drop it in favor of 'یواش' (yavash) during a casual chat with friends. At this stage, learners also master complex sentence structures involving comparatives and superlatives, such as 'این آهسته‌ترین روش برای حل مشکل است' (This is the slowest method to solve the problem). They can understand and use idiomatic expressions or proverbs that incorporate the concept of slowness, recognizing the cultural value placed on patience and deliberate action in Persian society. B2 learners rarely make the mistake of using 'کند' when they mean 'آهسته', showing a deep, internalized understanding of Persian semantics. Their use of the word is natural, unforced, and perfectly aligned with native speaker expectations in both spoken and written formats, allowing for nuanced debates, detailed storytelling, and sophisticated professional communication.

At the C1 level, the use of 'آهسته' becomes highly sophisticated, reflecting a near-native grasp of the language's subtleties. Learners at this stage encounter and utilize the word in advanced literary, academic, and journalistic contexts. They understand how 'آهسته' contributes to the tone and rhythm of a text. In reading Persian literature or poetry, a C1 learner appreciates how 'آهسته' is used to evoke mood—perhaps the stealthy passage of time or the gentle, melancholic movement of nature. They can produce writing that mimics this stylistic elegance. Furthermore, C1 learners are adept at using formal synonyms and related phrases, such as 'به تدریج' (gradually) or 'بطئی' (sluggish/slow - highly formal), and can debate the slight semantic differences between them. They use 'آهسته' in complex, multi-clause sentences without hesitation, ensuring perfect grammatical agreement and placement. For example: 'با وجود تمام تلاش‌ها، روند مذاکرات به قدری آهسته پیش می‌رفت که امید به توافق کمرنگ شد' (Despite all efforts, the negotiation process was proceeding so slowly that hope for an agreement faded). At this level, learners also understand the sociolinguistic implications of the word—how telling someone to speak 'آهسته' can be a gentle request or a stern reprimand depending entirely on intonation and context. Their mastery of 'آهسته' is not just about knowing its definition, but about wielding it as a precise tool for rhetorical effect, emotional expression, and advanced intellectual discourse.

At the C2 level, the learner's command of 'آهسته' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They possess a comprehensive understanding of the word's etymology, historical usage, and its place within the broader tapestry of Persian literature and philosophy. C2 learners can effortlessly analyze classical poetry, such as the works of Rumi or Hafez, where 'آهسته' might be used to describe the spiritual journey or the delicate nature of the soul. They can engage in deep literary criticism, discussing how the phonetic softness of the word itself (with its gentle 'h' and 's' sounds) mirrors its meaning. In contemporary usage, a C2 speaker can manipulate the word for humor, irony, or profound emphasis. They are perfectly attuned to the most subtle regional variations and colloquial shifts in how 'آهسته' and its synonyms are employed across different Persian-speaking communities. They can invent novel, poetic metaphors using the word that sound completely natural and culturally resonant. At this ultimate level of proficiency, 'آهسته' is no longer just a vocabulary item to be translated; it is a conceptual framework through which the speaker can express the Iranian cultural ethos of patience, the passage of time, and the nuanced dynamics of human interaction. The word is used with absolute precision, elegance, and an intuitive sense of its aesthetic and communicative power.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

آهسته in 30 Seconds

Means 'slow' or 'slowly' when referring to speed.
Means 'quiet' or 'quietly' when referring to volume.
Used as both an adjective (slow car) and an adverb (walk slowly).
Repeating it (آهسته آهسته) means 'gradually' or 'little by little'.

The Persian word 'آهسته' (pronounced aheste) is an incredibly versatile and fundamental vocabulary item that every learner must master early in their journey. At its core, this word translates to 'slow' or 'slowly' in English, but its usage extends far beyond mere physical speed. When you first encounter this word, you might see it in the context of driving or walking. For instance, a sign on the road might simply say 'آهسته', urging drivers to reduce their speed to avoid accidents and ensure public safety. However, one of the most crucial aspects of this word is its dual function. In Persian, speed and volume are often intertwined conceptually. Therefore, 'آهسته' also frequently means 'quiet' or 'quietly'. If you are in a library and speaking too loudly, a librarian will not ask you to use a 'quiet' voice using a different word; they will say 'آهسته صحبت کنید', which literally translates to 'speak slowly' but actually means 'speak quietly' or 'lower your volume'. This dual meaning can sometimes confuse English speakers who are used to having separate words for speed and volume. Understanding this dual nature is key to achieving fluency.

لطفاً آهسته رانندگی کنید.

Speed Context: Used to indicate a reduction in physical velocity, such as walking, running, or driving at a lower pace.

Beyond physical movement and vocal volume, 'آهسته' is also used metaphorically to describe processes, progress, or changes that occur over a prolonged period without sudden shifts. For example, if someone is recovering from an illness, their progress might be described as 'آهسته'. This metaphorical extension highlights the word's flexibility. In everyday conversation, you will hear this word constantly. Parents use it to instruct their children to be careful and not rush. Teachers use it to calm down a noisy classroom. Friends use it when sharing secrets.

بچه‌ها، آهسته بازی کنید.

Volume Context: Used to indicate a reduction in auditory volume, such as speaking in a whisper or playing music softly.

The cultural context of 'آهسته' also reflects a broader Iranian appreciation for patience and deliberation. Rushing is often seen as undignified or careless, whereas moving or acting 'آهسته' is associated with thoughtfulness, respect, and grace.

او آهسته قدم می‌زد.

When learning Persian, mastering the nuances of 'آهسته' will significantly improve your ability to give and receive instructions, express caution, and navigate social situations where volume control is expected.

پروژه آهسته پیش می‌رود.

Metaphorical Context: Used to describe abstract concepts like progress, economic growth, or emotional healing happening at a measured, unhurried pace.

در بیمارستان باید آهسته صحبت کرد.

In conclusion, 'آهسته' is a foundational pillar of Persian vocabulary. Its ability to seamlessly transition between describing physical speed, auditory volume, and metaphorical progress makes it indispensable. By paying close attention to the context and the accompanying verbs, learners can easily decode its intended meaning and use it to communicate with precision and cultural appropriateness.

Using 'آهسته' correctly in Persian sentences requires an understanding of its grammatical roles. It functions primarily as an adverb of manner, modifying how an action is performed, but it can also act as an adjective modifying a noun. When used as an adverb, 'آهسته' typically immediately precedes the verb it modifies, which is a common pattern in Persian syntax. For example, in the sentence 'او آهسته راه می‌رود' (He walks slowly), 'آهسته' comes right before the compound verb 'راه می‌رود'. This placement emphasizes the manner of the action.

مرد پیر آهسته حرکت کرد.

Adverbial Placement: In Persian, adverbs of manner like 'آهسته' generally sit close to the verb, often immediately preceding it, to clearly indicate how the action is executed.

When used as an adjective, 'آهسته' follows the noun it modifies, connected by the 'Ezafe' particle (an unstressed 'e' or 'ye' sound). For instance, 'قدم‌های آهسته' (slow steps) shows 'آهسته' describing the noun 'قدم‌ها' (steps). Another common grammatical structure involves repetition for emphasis. In Persian, repeating an adverb intensifies its meaning. Therefore, 'آهسته آهسته' translates to 'very slowly', 'gradually', or 'little by little'. This reduplication is highly idiomatic and frequently used in both spoken and written Persian.

برف آهسته آهسته آب شد.

Reduplication: Repeating the word as 'آهسته آهسته' shifts the meaning from simply 'slowly' to 'gradually' or 'step by step', emphasizing a continuous, unhurried process.

It is also important to note how 'آهسته' interacts with imperative verbs. When giving commands or making requests, 'آهسته' is often placed at the beginning of the phrase for emphasis, or right before the verb. 'آهسته برو!' (Go slowly!) is a direct command.

آهسته در را ببند.

Furthermore, 'آهسته' can take comparative and superlative suffixes. Adding '-تر' (-tar) makes it 'آهسته‌تر' (slower/quieter), and adding '-ترین' (-tarin) makes it 'آهسته‌ترین' (slowest/quietest). For example, 'لطفاً آهسته‌تر صحبت کنید' (Please speak more quietly/slowly).

این آهسته‌ترین قطار است.

Comparatives: Using the suffix '-تر' allows learners to compare speeds or volumes, which is highly useful in everyday negotiations and instructions.

او آهسته‌تر از من می‌دود.

Mastering these sentence structures ensures that your Persian sounds natural and fluent. Whether you are modifying a noun, describing an action, giving a command, or making a comparison, 'آهسته' follows predictable and logical grammatical rules that are easy to practice and internalize.

The word 'آهسته' is ubiquitous in Persian-speaking environments, appearing in a wide variety of contexts ranging from formal public announcements to intimate private conversations. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is on the road. Traffic signs across Iran frequently display the word 'آهسته' to warn drivers of upcoming hazards, pedestrian crossings, or sharp turns. In this context, it is a direct command to reduce speed.

راننده، لطفاً آهسته برانید.

Traffic and Travel: Used extensively on road signs and by passengers instructing taxi drivers to maintain a safe, lower speed.

Another highly frequent environment for 'آهسته' is in places requiring silence or low volume. Hospitals, libraries, and schools are prime examples. In a hospital corridor, nurses might remind visitors to walk and speak 'آهسته' so as not to disturb resting patients. In the workplace, 'آهسته' is used to describe the pace of work or economic progress. A manager might note that a project is moving 'آهسته' (slowly), which could be either a neutral observation or a mild criticism depending on the tone.

رشد اقتصاد آهسته است.

Professional Settings: Used in business and news to describe slow growth, delayed processes, or careful, deliberate strategic planning.

You will also hear 'آهسته' frequently in educational settings. A Persian language teacher will often say 'آهسته بگو' (say it slowly) to help a student with pronunciation. This is incredibly useful for language learners to know, as they will often need to ask native speakers to speak 'آهسته' so they can understand.

معلم گفت: آهسته بخوان.

In literature and poetry, 'آهسته' takes on a more romantic or melancholic tone. Poets like Hafez and Saadi use it to describe the gentle blowing of the wind, the soft footsteps of a lover, or the gradual passing of time.

نسیم آهسته می‌وزید.

Literary Context: In poetry and prose, it evokes gentleness, stealth, or the passage of time, adding a lyrical quality to the description of nature and human emotion.

اشک‌هایش آهسته ریخت.

From the chaotic streets of Tehran to the quiet halls of a library, and from modern business meetings to ancient poetry, 'آهسته' is a word that bridges the gap between the practical and the poetic. Recognizing its various contexts will greatly enhance your listening comprehension and cultural fluency.

When learning the word 'آهسته', English speakers often make a few predictable mistakes due to direct translation habits and the nuances of Persian vocabulary. The most prominent mistake is failing to recognize the dual meaning of 'آهسته' as both 'slow' and 'quiet'. An English speaker might try to find a separate word for 'quiet' when asking someone to lower their voice, not realizing that 'آهسته صحبت کن' is the most natural and common way to express this in Persian.

او آهسته خندید.

Volume vs Speed Confusion: Learners often use 'آرام' for quiet and 'آهسته' strictly for slow, missing the fact that 'آهسته' is perfectly suited for describing low-volume sounds like whispering or soft laughter.

Another frequent error involves confusing 'آهسته' with the word 'کند' (kond). While both can translate to 'slow' in English, they have different connotations and applications. 'کند' is typically used for things that are inherently slow in a negative, mechanical, or frustrating way, such as a slow computer (کامپیوتر کند) or a slow-witted person. 'آهسته', on the other hand, describes the manner of an action, often implying care, deliberation, or a temporary reduction in speed.

اینترنت خیلی کند است، نه آهسته.

Grammatically, learners sometimes forget to use the Ezafe when using 'آهسته' as an adjective modifying a noun. They might say 'ماشین آهسته' without the connecting 'e' sound, which sounds disjointed to a native speaker. It must be pronounced 'mashin-e aheste'.

Missing Ezafe: Failing to link the noun and the adjective 'آهسته' with the Ezafe particle disrupts the flow of the sentence and marks the speaker as a beginner.

با قدم‌هایِ آهسته رفت.

Additionally, learners might overuse 'آهسته' in informal contexts where 'یواش' (yavash) would sound much more natural. While 'آهسته' is never wrong, using 'یواش' with friends and family shows a higher level of cultural integration and colloquial fluency.

به جای آهسته، بگو یواش.

Register Mismatch: Using highly formal vocabulary in casual settings can create an unnatural distance between speakers. Knowing when to switch to informal synonyms is crucial.

By being aware of these common pitfalls—especially the distinction between 'آهسته' and 'کند', and the dual meaning of speed and volume—learners can avoid awkward phrasing and communicate much more effectively and naturally in Persian.

The Persian language is rich with synonyms and nuanced alternatives for 'آهسته', allowing speakers to express exact shades of meaning regarding speed, volume, and manner. Understanding these alternatives is essential for moving from a beginner to an intermediate or advanced level. The most common colloquial alternative is 'یواش' (yavash). This word is heavily used in spoken Persian and informal settings. It carries the exact same dual meaning as 'آهسته'—both 'slow' and 'quiet'—but is much more casual.

بچه‌ها، یواش‌تر بازی کنید.

یواش (Yavash): The informal, everyday equivalent of 'آهسته'. Used constantly in homes, on the streets, and among friends to mean 'slow down' or 'be quiet'.

Another important related word is 'آرام' (aram). While 'آرام' primarily means 'calm', 'peaceful', or 'quiet' (in terms of tranquility), it frequently overlaps with 'آهسته'. If you tell someone to drive 'آرام', you are telling them to drive calmly and carefully, which inherently implies driving slowly. However, 'آرام' focuses more on the lack of agitation or noise rather than the physical speed itself.

او صدای آرامی دارد.

As mentioned in the common mistakes section, 'کند' (kond) is another word for 'slow', but it is used for inherent slowness or mechanical sluggishness. A slow watch, a slow internet connection, or a blunt knife are all 'کند'. It is rarely used as an adverb of manner for human actions unless implying a lack of intelligence or frustrating sluggishness.

کند (Kond): Used for objects, systems, or processes that are frustratingly slow or blunt. Not used for 'quiet'.

ساعت من کند کار می‌کند.

For advanced learners, the phrase 'به تدریج' (be tadrij) is a formal alternative meaning 'gradually' or 'slowly over time'. This is used in academic, news, or formal writing to describe slow progress or evolution, similar to the reduplicated 'آهسته آهسته'.

بیمار به تدریج بهتر شد.

به تدریج (Be Tadrij): A formal, Arabic-derived phrase meaning 'gradually'. Excellent for written Persian and formal presentations.

تغییرات آهسته رخ داد.

By mastering 'آهسته' alongside its synonyms 'یواش', 'آرام', 'کند', and 'به تدریج', you equip yourself with a precise and culturally accurate vocabulary toolkit that allows you to express exactly what you mean in any given situation, whether you are chatting with a friend or writing a formal report.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In classical Persian poetry, 'آهسته' is frequently used to describe the ideal way a lover should walk or speak—with grace, gentleness, and a quiet demeanor that does not disturb the peace.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɒː.hes.te/

US /ɑː.hɛs.tɛ/

ā-hes-TÉ (usually on the final syllable).

Rhymes With

خسته (khaste - tired) بسته (baste - closed/package) دسته (daste - handle/group) پیوسته (peyvaste - continuous) نشسته (neshaste - sitting) شکسته (shekaste - broken) گسسته (gosaste - disconnected) رسته (raste - category/escaped)

Common Errors

Dropping the 'h' sound. It must be clearly articulated: a-HES-te, not a-es-te.
Pronouncing the final 'e' as an 'i' or 'ay' sound. It should be a short 'e' like in 'pet'.
Pronouncing the first 'آ' as a short 'a' (like in 'cat'). It must be a deep, long 'ah'.
Confusing it with 'خسته' (khaste - tired) due to the similar ending. Pay attention to the initial 'ah' vs 'kh' sound.
Forgetting the Ezafe when modifying a noun (saying 'mashin aheste' instead of 'mashin-e aheste').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read. The letters are standard and phonetic.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but learners sometimes forget the final 'ه' (he) which represents the 'e' sound.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, just remember the 'h' sound and the final short 'e'.

Listening 2/5

Easy to catch because it is often said at the beginning of a sentence or emphasized.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

رفتن (to go) گفتن (to say) تند (fast) صدا (voice) ماشین (car)

Learn Next

یواش (informal slow/quiet) آرام (calm) کند (slow/blunt) سریع (fast/quick) پیوسته (continuous)

Advanced

به تدریج (gradually) بطئی (sluggish) طمأنینه (calmness/deliberation) شتابان (hasty) نامحسوس (imperceptible)

Grammar to Know

Adverb Placement

Adverbs of manner usually come right before the verb. او آهسته می‌رود (He goes slowly).

Ezafe with Adjectives

When used as an adjective, it must connect to the noun with Ezafe. ماشینِ آهسته (mashin-e aheste).

Comparative Suffix -تر

Add -تر to make it comparative. آهسته‌تر (slower/quieter).

Reduplication for 'Gradually'

Repeat the word to mean gradually. آهسته آهسته (little by little).

Imperative Emphasis

Place it at the beginning of a command for emphasis. آهسته برو! (Go slowly!).

Examples by Level

لطفاً آهسته صحبت کنید.

Please speak slowly/quietly.

Imperative form with 'لطفاً' (please).

ماشین آهسته می‌رود.

The car is going slowly.

Adverb modifying the present tense verb 'می‌رود'.

من آهسته راه می‌روم.

I walk slowly.

Adverb placed directly before the compound verb 'راه می‌روم'.

آهسته بیا.

Come slowly/quietly.

Simple imperative command.

او آهسته می‌خندد.

He/She laughs quietly.

Demonstrates 'آهسته' meaning 'quietly' with a sound-producing verb.

این قطار آهسته است.

This train is slow.

Used as a predicate adjective with the verb 'است'.

آهسته برو!

Go slowly!

Direct imperative.

پدرم آهسته رانندگی می‌کند.

My father drives slowly.

Adverb modifying 'رانندگی می‌کند'.

میشه کمی آهسته‌تر صحبت کنید؟

Can you speak a little more slowly/quietly?

Uses the comparative suffix '-تر'.

دیروز خیلی آهسته کار کردم.

Yesterday I worked very slowly.

Adverb used in the simple past tense.

ما باید آهسته قدم بزنیم.

We must walk slowly.

Used with the modal verb 'باید' (must) and subjunctive.

او همیشه با صدای آهسته حرف می‌زند.

He always speaks with a quiet voice.

Used as an adjective modifying 'صدای' (voice) with Ezafe.

لطفاً در را آهسته ببند.

Please close the door quietly.

Adverb modifying a transitive verb.

لاک‌پشت حیوان آهسته‌ای است.

The turtle is a slow animal.

Adjective modifying 'حیوان' with indefinite 'ای'.

آهسته آهسته زبان فارسی را یاد می‌گیرم.

I am learning the Persian language little by little.

Reduplication 'آهسته آهسته' meaning 'gradually'.

چرا اینقدر آهسته می‌خوری؟

Why are you eating so slowly?

Used with the intensifier 'اینقدر' (so much).

وقتی بچه خواب بود، مادرش آهسته وارد اتاق شد.

When the baby was asleep, his mother entered the room quietly.

Adverb used in a complex sentence with a time clause.

پروژه ما آهسته اما پیوسته پیش می‌رود.

Our project is progressing slowly but steadily.

Used in the common phrase 'آهسته اما پیوسته' (slow but steady).

برف آهسته آهسته تمام شهر را سفید کرد.

The snow gradually turned the whole city white.

Reduplication used for poetic/descriptive effect in past tense.

او سعی کرد آهسته‌تر بدود تا خسته نشود.

He tried to run slower so he wouldn't get tired.

Comparative adverb in a purpose clause (تا).

راننده به تابلوی 'آهسته' توجه نکرد.

The driver did not pay attention to the 'slow' sign.

Used as a noun/concept referring to a sign.

با قدم‌های آهسته به سمت در رفت.

He went towards the door with slow steps.

Adjective modifying a plural noun 'قدم‌های' (steps).

اقتصاد کشور در حال رشد آهسته‌ای است.

The country's economy is experiencing slow growth.

Adjective modifying the verbal noun 'رشد' (growth).

معلم از دانش‌آموزان خواست که آهسته ورق بزنند.

The teacher asked the students to turn the pages quietly.

Adverb modifying a compound verb in a reported command.

تغییرات فرهنگی معمولاً بسیار آهسته و نامحسوس رخ می‌دهند.

Cultural changes usually occur very slowly and imperceptibly.

Used alongside another adverb 'نامحسوس' (imperceptibly) for advanced description.

او با لحنی آهسته و تهدیدآمیز صحبت کرد.

He spoke in a quiet and threatening tone.

Adjective modifying 'لحنی' (a tone) alongside another descriptive adjective.

روند بهبودی بیمار پس از جراحی، آهسته‌تر از حد انتظار بود.

The patient's recovery process after surgery was slower than expected.

Comparative form used in a formal medical/evaluative context.

آب رودخانه آهسته آهسته سنگ‌ها را می‌ساید.

The river water gradually wears away the stones.

Reduplication used to describe a long-term natural phenomenon.

برای درک این شعر، باید آن را آهسته و با دقت خواند.

To understand this poem, one must read it slowly and carefully.

Impersonal passive construction (باید خواند) modified by adverbs.

پیشرفت تکنولوژی در آن دهه نسبتاً آهسته بود.

Technological progress in that decade was relatively slow.

Modified by the adverb 'نسبتاً' (relatively).

او خشم خود را زیر لب و با صدایی آهسته ابراز کرد.

He expressed his anger under his breath and with a quiet voice.

Complex prepositional phrase describing manner.

موفقیت یک شبه به دست نمی‌آید، بلکه نتیجه تلاش‌های آهسته است.

Success is not achieved overnight, but is the result of slow efforts.

Used metaphorically to describe sustained effort.

سیاستمدار با گام‌هایی آهسته و حساب‌شده به سمت تریبون رفت.

The politician walked towards the podium with slow and calculated steps.

Used in a highly descriptive, journalistic style.

زوال این امپراتوری روندی آهسته اما اجتناب‌ناپذیر داشت.

The decline of this empire was a slow but inevitable process.

Adjective modifying an abstract noun 'روندی' (a process) in a historical context.

او راز مگو را آهسته در گوش دوستم زمزمه کرد.

He whispered the unspoken secret quietly into my friend's ear.

Adverb modifying 'زمزمه کرد' (whispered), emphasizing the quietness.

نفوذ فرهنگ بیگانه آهسته آهسته در تار و پود جامعه رخنه کرد.

The influence of foreign culture gradually penetrated the fabric of society.

Idiomatic use of 'تار و پود' (fabric/warp and weft) with reduplicated adverb.

موسیقی با ریتمی آهسته و حزن‌انگیز در سالن طنین‌انداز شد.

The music echoed in the hall with a slow and sorrowful rhythm.

Descriptive language typical of literature or reviews.

درمان این بیماری نیازمند رویکردی آهسته و روشمند است.

Treating this disease requires a slow and methodical approach.

Formal academic/medical vocabulary.

پیرمرد با صدایی که از فرط پیری آهسته و لرزان شده بود، سخن گفت.

The old man spoke with a voice that had become quiet and trembling from extreme old age.

Complex relative clause describing the cause of the quietness.

آهسته‌تر راندن در این مسیر پرپیچ و خم، ضامن سلامتی شماست.

Driving more slowly on this winding road is the guarantor of your safety.

Gerund phrase (آهسته‌تر راندن) acting as the subject of the sentence.

نسیم سحرگاهی آهسته بر گونه‌های بیدارخوابان بوسه می‌زد.

The dawn breeze softly kissed the cheeks of the wakeful.

Highly poetic and literary use of 'آهسته' meaning softly/gently.

گذر آهسته زمان، مرهمی بر زخم‌های کهنه او بود.

The slow passage of time was a balm for his old wounds.

Philosophical/literary metaphor.

او با طمأنینه و آهستگی خاصی که نشان از پختگی‌اش داشت، پاسخ داد.

He answered with a specific calmness and slowness that indicated his maturity.

Using the noun form 'آهستگی' (slowness/gentleness).

در سکوت وهم‌انگیز جنگل، تنها صدای شکستن آهسته شاخه‌ها به گوش می‌رسید.

In the eerie silence of the forest, only the sound of branches breaking quietly could be heard.

Evocative descriptive prose.

تحولات بنیادین در ساختار قدرت، نه با انقلاب، بلکه با اصلاحات آهسته محقق می‌گردد.

Fundamental changes in the power structure are realized not through revolution, but through slow reforms.

Advanced political science discourse.

شاعر، اندوه بی‌پایان خود را در قالب کلماتی آهسته و موزون بیان کرد.

The poet expressed his endless sorrow in the form of slow and rhythmic words.

Literary critique style.

مرگ، آهسته و بی‌صدا، سایه شوم خود را بر دهکده افکند.

Death, slowly and silently, cast its ominous shadow over the village.

Dramatic narrative style.

عشق حقیقی همچون آتشی زیر خاکستر، آهسته آهسته شعله‌ور می‌شود.

True love, like fire under ashes, gradually bursts into flames.

Classic Persian poetic metaphor using reduplication.

Common Collocations

آهسته صحبت کردن

آهسته رفتن

آهسته آهسته

قدم‌های آهسته

صدای آهسته

رشد آهسته

آهسته راندن

آهسته خندیدن

حرکت آهسته

آهسته و پیوسته

Common Phrases

آهسته، لطفاً

— Slow down, please. Used when in a vehicle or asking someone to walk slower.

آهسته، لطفاً. من خسته شدم.

میشه آهسته‌تر بگید؟

— Can you say it more slowly? Crucial phrase for language learners.

ببخشید، متوجه نشدم. میشه آهسته‌تر بگید؟

آهسته برو، آهسته بیا

— Literally 'go slowly, come slowly'. A proverb meaning to keep a low profile and avoid trouble.

پدرم همیشه می‌گفت: آهسته برو، آهسته بیا تا گربه شاخت نزنه.

آهسته و با احتیاط

— Slowly and carefully. Often seen on warning signs.

در این جاده آهسته و با احتیاط برانید.

صداتو آهسته کن

— Lower your voice. An informal command to be quiet.

بچه خوابه، صداتو آهسته کن.

آهسته پیش رفتن

— To make slow progress.

کار ساختمان خیلی آهسته پیش می‌رود.

آهسته تر از لاک پشت

— Slower than a turtle. An exaggeration for someone moving very slowly.

چرا اینقدر لفتش میدی؟ آهسته تر از لاک پشت راه میری!

آهسته قدم برداشتن

— To take slow steps, often implying caution or hesitation.

او در تاریکی آهسته قدم برمی‌داشت.

نفس آهسته کشیدن

— To breathe softly or quietly.

از ترس، آهسته نفس می‌کشید.

آهسته و پیوسته

— Slow and steady. Often part of the phrase 'slow and steady wins the race'.

رهرو آن نیست که گه تند و گهی خسته رود، رهرو آن است که آهسته و پیوسته رود.

Often Confused With

آهسته vs کند (kond)

Learners use 'کند' for 'quiet' or for human actions. 'کند' means slow in a mechanical sense (slow computer, blunt knife). Use 'آهسته' for quiet and deliberate slowness.

آهسته vs آرام (aram)

Learners confuse 'آرام' (calm/peaceful) with 'آهسته' (slow/quiet). While they overlap, 'آرام' focuses on lack of stress, while 'آهسته' focuses on lack of speed or volume.

آهسته vs یواش (yavash)

Learners might use 'یواش' in formal writing. 'یواش' is strictly colloquial and should be avoided in essays or formal emails.

Idioms & Expressions

"آهسته برو، آهسته بیا که گربه شاخت نزنه"

— Keep a low profile so you don't get into trouble. Literally: Go slowly, come slowly so the cat doesn't gore you.

در محیط کار جدیدت حواست باشه، آهسته برو آهسته بیا که گربه شاخت نزنه.

Informal/Proverb

"رهرو آن است که آهسته و پیوسته رود"

— Slow and steady wins the race. A famous line of poetry by Saadi.

نگران نباش که دیر شروع کردی، رهرو آن است که آهسته و پیوسته رود.

Formal/Literary

"آب زیر کاه (related concept)"

— Someone who is sneaky or acts quietly but has hidden intentions. (Not using the word directly, but related to the concept of quietness).

خیلی آدم آب زیر کاهی است، همه کارهایش را آهسته انجام می‌دهد.

Informal

"با چراغ خاموش حرکت کردن"

— To move with headlights off. Metaphorically means to do things secretly or quietly.

آنها فعلاً دارند آهسته و با چراغ خاموش حرکت می‌کنند.

Idiomatic

"یواش یواش (colloquial equivalent)"

— Little by little, gradually. The informal version of آهسته آهسته.

یواش یواش یاد می‌گیری، نگران نباش.

Informal

"آرام آرام"

— Calmly and slowly. Another variation of gradually.

آرام آرام به هدفش نزدیک شد.

Neutral

"نرم نرمک"

— Very softly and gradually. Often used in poetry regarding spring or rain.

نرم نرمک می‌رسد اینک بهار.

Poetic

"دندان روی جگر گذاشتن (related concept)"

— To be patient. Often requires doing things slowly.

باید دندان روی جگر بگذاری و آهسته پیش بروی.

Idiomatic

"عجله کار شیطان است"

— Haste is the work of the devil. A proverb encouraging slowness and deliberation.

آهسته کار کن، عجله کار شیطان است.

Proverb

"قطره قطره جمع گردد وانگهی دریا شود"

— Drop by drop a sea is formed. Emphasizes the value of slow, gradual accumulation.

پول‌هایت را آهسته پس‌انداز کن، قطره قطره جمع گردد...

Proverb

Easily Confused

آهسته vs کند

Both translate to 'slow' in English.

'کند' is for machines, internet, or blunt objects. 'آهسته' is for movement, volume, and deliberate actions.

اینترنت کند است. (Internet is slow.) ماشین آهسته می‌رود. (Car goes slowly.)

آهسته vs آرام

Both can mean 'quiet' or 'gentle'.

'آرام' means calm or peaceful. 'آهسته' specifically targets speed and decibel level.

دریای آرام (Calm sea). صدای آهسته (Quiet voice).

آهسته vs یواش

Exact same meaning as آهسته.

'یواش' is informal spoken Persian. 'آهسته' is standard and can be used in writing.

یواش برو (Informal). آهسته برانید (Formal).

آهسته vs تند

It is the exact opposite, but beginners mix up antonyms.

'تند' means fast or spicy. 'آهسته' means slow or quiet.

تند نرو! (Don't go fast!)

آهسته vs خسته

Rhymes with آهسته and looks similar in writing.

'خسته' means tired. 'آهسته' means slow.

من خسته هستم (I am tired). من آهسته می‌روم (I go slowly).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] + آهسته + است.

این ماشین آهسته است. (This car is slow.)

آهسته + [Imperative].

آهسته برو. (Go slowly.)

[Subject] + آهسته + [Verb].

من آهسته می‌خوانم. (I read slowly.)

لطفاً + آهسته‌تر + [Verb].

لطفاً آهسته‌تر صحبت کنید. (Please speak more slowly.)

[Subject] + آهسته آهسته + [Verb].

برف آهسته آهسته آب شد. (The snow melted gradually.)

با + صدای + آهسته + [Verb].

او با صدای آهسته جواب داد. (He answered with a quiet voice.)

[Noun] + روند + آهسته‌ای + دارد.

اقتصاد روند آهسته‌ای دارد. (The economy has a slow trend.)

آهسته و پیوسته + [Verb].

ما آهسته و پیوسته پیش می‌رویم. (We are progressing slowly and steadily.)

Word Family

Nouns

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high. It is a core vocabulary word taught in the first few weeks of learning Persian.

Common Mistakes

اینترنت من خیلی آهسته است. → اینترنت من خیلی کند است.
Learners use 'آهسته' for slow technology. In Persian, 'کند' (kond) is used for mechanical or inherent slowness, while 'آهسته' is for movement or volume.
لطفاً ساکت صحبت کن. → لطفاً آهسته صحبت کن.
Learners try to translate 'quiet' directly. While 'ساکت' means silent, to say 'speak quietly/lower your voice', the natural phrase is 'آهسته صحبت کن'.
او ماشین آهسته دارد. (Pronounced: u mashin aheste darad) → او ماشینِ آهسته دارد. (Pronounced: u mashin-e aheste darad)
Forgetting the Ezafe (the 'e' sound) that connects a noun to its adjective. It must be mashin-e aheste.
در مقاله رسمی: اقتصاد یواش رشد می‌کند. → در مقاله رسمی: اقتصاد آهسته رشد می‌کند.
Using 'یواش' (yavash) in formal writing. 'یواش' is strictly for spoken, informal contexts. 'آهسته' should be used in formal texts.
او آهسته آهسته راه می‌رود. (Meaning: He is walking very slowly right now) → او خیلی آهسته راه می‌رود.
Using reduplication (آهسته آهسته) to mean 'very slow'. Reduplication actually means 'gradually' or 'little by little' over time, not just 'very slow' in the moment.

Tips

Adverb Placement

Always try to put 'آهسته' right before the verb it modifies. 'او آهسته راه می‌رود' is much more natural than 'او راه می‌رود آهسته'.

Survival Phrase

Memorize 'آهسته‌تر لطفاً' (Slower, please). It is the most useful phrase for a beginner trying to understand native speakers.

Politeness

Telling someone to be quiet using 'آهسته' is polite, but your tone matters. A harsh 'آهسته!' is a reprimand. A soft 'آهسته' is a gentle reminder.

Switching to Yavash

Once you are comfortable with 'آهسته', start using 'یواش' with your Persian-speaking friends. They will be impressed by your colloquial fluency.

Avoid Kond

Never say your phone or internet is 'آهسته'. Always use 'کند' (kond) for technology.

Slow and Steady

Use the phrase 'آهسته و پیوسته' to encourage someone who is learning a language or working on a long project. It shows deep cultural knowledge.

Don't drop the H

English speakers sometimes drop the 'h' in the middle of words. Make sure you clearly exhale on the 'h' in a-HES-te.

Don't forget the Ezafe

When saying 'a slow train' (قطار آهسته), you must pronounce the invisible 'e' connecting the words: ghatar-e aheste.

Volume vs Speed

Stop looking for a separate word for 'quiet'. Train your brain to use 'آهسته' for both a slow car and a quiet voice.

Formal Writing

In essays or formal emails, avoid 'یواش' and 'آهسته آهسته'. Use 'آهسته' and 'به تدریج' (gradually) instead.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a person saying 'AH, HESiTate' before doing something. If you hesitate, you move SLOWLY and QUIETLY. AH-HES-TE = slow/quiet.

Visual Association

Visualize a turtle with a finger over its lips. The turtle represents 'slow' (speed), and the finger over the lips represents 'quiet' (volume). This perfectly captures the dual meaning of آهسته.

Word Web

Speed: کند (slow), تند (fast), رانندگی (driving) Volume: آرام (quiet), بلند (loud), صدا (voice) Synonyms: یواش (informal slow/quiet) Grammar: آهسته‌تر (slower/quieter)

Challenge

Next time you are walking, consciously slow your pace and say 'من آهسته راه می‌روم' (I walk slowly). Then, whisper to yourself 'من آهسته صحبت می‌کنم' (I speak quietly).

Word Origin

The word 'آهسته' derives from Middle Persian (Pahlavi) 'āhistag', which meant slow or gentle. It has deep roots in the Indo-Iranian language family.

Original meaning: Originally, it conveyed a sense of gentleness, deliberation, and lack of haste, which naturally extended to mean both slow in physical speed and low in auditory volume.

Indo-European > Indo-Iranian > Iranian > Western Iranian > Southwestern > Persian.

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivity issues with this word. It is universally polite and acceptable. However, telling an adult to speak 'آهسته' can be rude if done aggressively; it's better to use the polite request form 'میشه آهسته‌تر صحبت کنید؟'.

English speakers often struggle because English separates speed (slow) and volume (quiet). You must train your brain to link these two concepts under the single umbrella of 'آهسته'.

Saadi's famous poem: 'رهرو آن نیست که گه تند و گهی خسته رود / رهرو آن است که آهسته و پیوسته رود' (The true traveler is not one who goes fast then gets tired; the true traveler is one who goes slowly and steadily.) The proverb: 'آهسته برو، آهسته بیا که گربه شاخت نزنه' (Go slowly, come slowly so the cat doesn't gore you - meaning keep a low profile). Various classical songs and modern pop tracks use 'آهسته' to describe the gentle approach of a lover.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Driving and Traffic

آهسته برانید (Drive slowly)
سرعت آهسته (Slow speed)
علامت آهسته (Slow sign)
آهسته‌تر (Slower)

Libraries and Hospitals

آهسته صحبت کنید (Speak quietly)
صدای آهسته (Quiet voice)
سکوت (Silence)
آرام باشید (Be calm/quiet)

Language Learning

میشه آهسته‌تر بگید؟ (Can you say it slower?)
آهسته بخوانید (Read slowly)
تکرار آهسته (Slow repetition)
کمی آهسته‌تر (A little slower)

Describing Progress

رشد آهسته (Slow growth)
پیشرفت آهسته (Slow progress)
آهسته و پیوسته (Slow and steady)
روند آهسته (Slow process)

Sleeping Environments

آهسته راه برو (Walk quietly)
بچه خوابه (The baby is asleep)
در را آهسته ببند (Close the door quietly)
پاورچین (On tiptoes)

Conversation Starters

"چرا ترافیک امروز اینقدر آهسته است؟ (Why is the traffic so slow today?)"

"میشه لطفاً آهسته‌تر صحبت کنید؟ من فارسی یاد می‌گیرم. (Could you please speak more slowly? I am learning Persian.)"

"به نظر شما پیشرفت این پروژه خیلی آهسته نیست؟ (Don't you think the progress of this project is too slow?)"

"چرا اینقدر آهسته غذا می‌خوری؟ (Why are you eating so slowly?)"

"آیا ترجیح می‌دهی آهسته و پیوسته کار کنی یا سریع؟ (Do you prefer to work slow and steady or fast?)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time when you had to do something very slowly and carefully (آهسته).

Describe a quiet place (like a library or forest) using the word آهسته to describe the sounds and movements.

Write a short story about a slow animal (like a turtle) using آهسته and آهسته‌تر.

Explain why the proverb 'آهسته و پیوسته' (slow and steady) is important in language learning.

Describe your morning routine. Which parts do you do fast (تند) and which parts slowly (آهسته)?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is a very common mistake. For machines, internet connections, or a blunt knife, you must use the word 'کند' (kond). 'آهسته' is used for physical movement, volume, or gradual processes.

The most natural and polite way is to say 'میشه لطفاً آهسته‌تر صحبت کنید؟' (Mishe lotfan aheste-tar sohbat konid?). This uses the comparative form 'آهسته‌تر' (more slowly).

It means both! In Persian, the concepts of speed and volume are linked. If you say 'آهسته برو', it means go slowly. If you say 'آهسته بگو', it means speak quietly. Context and the verb determine the exact translation.

They mean exactly the same thing (slow/quiet), but 'یواش' (yavash) is informal and used in spoken Persian with friends and family. 'آهسته' is standard, polite, and used in both writing and speaking.

You can simply repeat the word: 'آهسته آهسته' (aheste aheste). For example, 'هوا آهسته آهسته سرد شد' means the weather gradually got cold. In formal writing, you can use 'به تدریج' (be tadrij).

It functions as both. In 'ماشین آهسته' (slow car), it is an adjective. In 'آهسته می‌رود' (goes slowly), it is an adverb. Its form does not change.

If you mean slow, the opposite is 'تند' (tond) or 'سریع' (sari'). If you mean quiet, the opposite is 'بلند' (boland - loud).

No, calling someone 'آهسته' would sound strange. To describe someone who is slow to understand, Persians use 'کند ذهن' (kond zehn) or simply 'کند' (kond).

This is a famous proverb. It means to keep a low profile, mind your own business, and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself to stay out of trouble.

It is pronounced a-HES-te. Make sure the first 'a' is a long 'ah' sound, clearly pronounce the 'h', and end with a short 'e' sound, not an 'i' or 'ay'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence asking someone to speak slowly.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

N/A