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به کندی

B1 adverb #6,000 most common 8 min read

به کندی

be kondi Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips به کندی in 30 Seconds

Explanation به کندی in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how things move. While you usually learn the word 'yavāsh' (slow) first, 'be kondi' is a more formal way to say 'slowly.' Think of it as 'with slowness.' You can use it to talk about a turtle or a slow car. In Persian, we put this word before the action (the verb). For example, 'The car moves slowly.' It's a bit like adding 'ly' to an adjective in English. Just remember: 'be' + 'kondi' = slowly. It is used in books and news more than in the street.

By A2, you should begin to distinguish between formal and informal words. 'Be kondi' is the formal version of 'slowly.' You will see it in simple stories or news headlines. It is very useful for describing things that take a long time, like 'The plant grows slowly' or 'He walks slowly because he is old.' Unlike the word 'ārām,' which can also mean 'quietly,' 'be kondi' only means that the speed is low. It's a great word to use if you want to sound a little more serious or academic in your Persian studies.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'be kondi' in your writing and formal speaking. This word is an adverbial phrase made of the preposition 'be' and the noun 'kondi.' It is perfect for describing economic trends, scientific processes, or narrative descriptions in literature. You should use it when you want to emphasize the lack of speed in a process. For example, 'The recovery of the economy is happening slowly.' It shows you understand the 'register' of the language—knowing that 'yavāsh' is for friends and 'be kondi' is for a presentation or a report.

At B2, 'be kondi' becomes a tool for adding nuance to your descriptions. You can use it to contrast with other adverbs like 'be-tadrij' (gradually). While 'be-tadrij' implies a step-by-step change, 'be kondi' focuses purely on the slow velocity. You should also be comfortable using it with intensifiers like 'بسیار' (very). In B2, you might use it in a debate about social change or when analyzing a text. You understand that this word carries a certain weight and can imply frustration or a methodical approach depending on the context.

For C1 learners, 'be kondi' is part of a sophisticated vocabulary set used to create specific atmospheric effects in writing. You use it to slow down the 'pacing' of your prose. You might explore its use in classical vs. modern literature, noting how it functions to build tension. You also recognize its presence in legal and administrative Persian, where precision about the rate of progress is required. At this level, you don't just know the word; you know the subtle emotional cues it sends to a native speaker—often one of stagnation or painstaking effort.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'be kondi' and its place within the vast array of Persian adverbs. You can discuss its etymological roots and its relationship to the word 'kond' (which can also mean 'blunt' or 'dull-witted'). You use it effortlessly in high-level academic discourse, perhaps when discussing the 'slow movement' in sociology or the slow decay of radioactive materials in physics. You are also aware of how it can be used ironically or poetically to describe the 'slowness' of a heart breaking or a memory fading, showing complete linguistic and cultural integration.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

به کندی in 30 Seconds

A formal Persian adverb meaning 'slowly'.
Formed from 'be' (with) + 'kondi' (slowness).
Used mainly in writing, news, and literature.
Describes physical motion or abstract progress.

The Persian adverb به کندی (be kondi) is a vital component of the Persian language, particularly when moving from basic conversational skills to more nuanced, descriptive, and formal communication. At its core, it translates to 'slowly' or 'at a slow speed.' However, unlike the more common word یواش (yavāsh), which is often used in colloquial speech to mean 'quietly' or 'slowly,' به کندی carries a weight of formality and precision. It is constructed from the preposition به (be), meaning 'to' or 'with,' and the abstract noun کندی (kondi), which means 'slowness.' Together, they create an adverbial phrase that describes the manner in which an action occurs.

Formal Usage: In news reports, academic writing, and literature, this term is preferred over its synonyms to describe processes that take a long time or physical movements that are sluggish. For example, 'The economy is growing slowly' would almost always use this term.

پروژه به کندی پیش می‌رود.

Translation: The project is progressing slowly.

Understanding when to use به کندی involves recognizing the 'flavor' of the slowness. If you are telling a child to walk slowly so they don't fall, you might say آرام or یواش. But if you are describing a glacier moving down a mountain or a person recovering from a long illness, به کندی provides the necessary gravity. It suggests a lack of momentum or a deliberate, often painstaking, pace.

Grammatical Role: As an adverbial phrase, it typically precedes the verb in Persian sentence structure. It does not change based on gender or number, making it a stable and reliable word for learners to integrate into their vocabulary.

او به کندی از پله‌ها بالا رفت.

Translation: He climbed the stairs slowly (with difficulty or age).

In modern Iranian society, you will encounter this word in media when discussing climate change (the slow melting of ice), economic shifts, or the slow pace of bureaucratic procedures. It evokes a sense of waiting and sometimes frustration. By using this word, you signal to your listener that you have a grasp of formal Persian registers, which is a hallmark of the B1 level.

Semantic Nuance: While 'آرام' (ārām) implies 'peacefully' or 'calmly' along with 'slowly,' 'به کندی' is strictly about the rate of speed. It is neutral to negative in connotation, often implying that something is taking longer than desired.

زمان در زندان به کندی می‌گذرد.

Translation: Time passes slowly in prison.

Mastering the use of به کندی requires an understanding of Persian syntax. In Persian, adverbs of manner usually appear immediately before the verb, although they can sometimes be placed after the subject for emphasis. This word is particularly effective when describing verbs of motion, growth, or transition. It is the antithesis of به سرعت (be sor'at - quickly).

Physical Motion: When describing the movement of animals, vehicles, or people, use this word to emphasize a lack of speed. For instance, 'The old car moved slowly up the hill.'

ماشین قدیمی به کندی در جاده حرکت می‌کرد.

The old car was moving slowly on the road.

Another common usage is in the context of abstract concepts like time, recovery, or progress. If you are recovering from surgery, your health might improve به کندی. If a computer is old, it might process data به کندی. This versatility makes it a powerhouse word for intermediate learners.

Abstract Progress: Use it to describe things that aren't physical but involve a timeline. 'The negotiations are moving slowly.'

مذاکرات صلح به کندی پیش می‌رود.

The peace negotiations are progressing slowly.

It is important to note that به کندی is almost never used in imperatives (commands). You wouldn't tell someone 'Eat slowly' using this word; instead, you would use آرام or یواش. This distinction is crucial for sounding natural. به کندی is descriptive, not directive.

خورشید به کندی غروب کرد.

The sun set slowly.

In writing, you can also use it to contrast with sudden actions. 'The door opened slowly, revealing a dark room.' This adds a dramatic or narrative quality to your Persian prose.

Contrast and Emphasis: Pairing it with words like 'بسیار' (very) or 'خیلی' (very) can emphasize the agonizing nature of the slowness: 'بسیار به کندی'.

او کلمات را به کندی ادا می‌کرد.

He was pronouncing the words slowly.

To truly master به کندی, you must listen for it in specific environments. While you might not hear it as often in a bustling Tehran bazaar (where یواش reigns supreme), it is ubiquitous in other domains. The most common place is the nightly news (Akhbar). News anchors use it to describe economic indicators, the movement of storms, or the progress of diplomatic missions.

Media and News: In reports concerning the stock market or inflation, you will hear: 'نرخ تورم به کندی در حال کاهش است' (The inflation rate is slowly decreasing).

روند بازسازی شهر به کندی صورت می‌گیرد.

The city's reconstruction process is taking place slowly.

Another major domain is the world of documentaries and educational content. Narrators describing biological processes, such as a seed sprouting or a caterpillar forming a cocoon, will utilize the formal weight of به کندی to match the educational tone. It provides a sense of observation and scientific detachment.

You will also find this word in modern Persian literature and poetry. Contemporary novelists use it to build suspense or to describe the internal state of a character who feels the world is moving too slowly. It is a word of atmosphere. For instance, a character might be described as walking به کندی through a foggy street to emphasize their hesitation or fear.

Literature and Art: In a novel: 'او به کندی سرش را بلند کرد و به من خیره شد' (He slowly raised his head and stared at me).

اشک‌ها به کندی از گونه‌هایش سرازیر شدند.

Tears slowly flowed down her cheeks.

In academic lectures at universities in Iran, professors use this term when discussing history or sociology. They might talk about how social changes occur به کندی over generations. This highlights the word's association with deep analysis and professional discourse.

یخچال‌های طبیعی به کندی ذوب می‌شوند.

Glaciers melt slowly.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using به کندی is using it in casual, daily conversations where it sounds overly stiff. If you tell a friend 'بیا به کندی راه برویم' (Let's walk slowly), they will understand you, but it will sound like you are reading from a 19th-century manuscript. In such cases, آرام or یواش is much more appropriate.

Register Mismatch: The mistake is using a formal adverb in an informal context. Use 'یواش' for friends and 'به کندی' for reports or writing.

غلط: لطفا به کندی صحبت کنید. (Wrong register for a request)

Correct: لطفا آرام‌تر صحبت کنید. (Please speak more slowly/calmly).

Another common error is confusing به کندی with its adjective form کند. Remember that کند means 'slow' (describing a noun), while به کندی means 'slowly' (describing a verb). You cannot say 'این ماشین به کندی است' (This car is slowly); you must say 'این ماشین کند است' (This car is slow).

Learners also sometimes struggle with the placement of the word. While Persian is relatively flexible, placing به کندی at the very end of a sentence after the verb is a common mistake for English speakers (e.g., *He walked slowly* vs. *He slowly walked*). In Persian, the verb almost always comes last, so the adverb must come before it.

Word Order: Adverb + Verb = Correct. Verb + Adverb = Usually incorrect or very poetic.

او به کندی غذا می‌خورد. (Correct)

He eats slowly.

Finally, avoid using به کندی when you actually mean 'quietly.' In English, 'slow down' can sometimes imply 'be quiet,' but in Persian, به کندی is strictly about velocity. If you want someone to lower their volume, use آرام or با صدای پایین.

رشد گیاه به کندی انجام می‌شود.

The plant's growth happens slowly.

Persian is rich with synonyms for 'slowly,' each with its own specific context. Understanding the differences between به کندی and its alternatives is key to achieving B1 and B2 proficiency.

آرام (Ārām): This is the most versatile word. It means 'slowly,' 'quietly,' and 'calmly.' It is used in both formal and informal speech. Use this when the slowness is pleasant or deliberate.
یواش (Yavāsh): Almost exclusively informal. It is the word you use when teaching a child to walk or telling a friend to drive slowly. It can also mean 'quietly' (e.g., speaking in a whisper).
به‌تدریج (Be-tadrij): This means 'gradually.' While 'به کندی' describes the speed at a specific moment, 'به‌تدریج' describes a slow change over a period of time. 'The weather is gradually getting warmer' would use this.

او آرام در اتاق قدم می‌زد. (Calmly/Slowly)

He was walking calmly in the room.

When comparing به کندی and به‌تدریج, think of a car vs. a season. A car moves به کندی (at a slow speed), but the seasons change به‌تدریج (gradually). Using the wrong one can make your sentence sound logically slightly off.

اندک اندک (Andak Andak): A poetic way of saying 'little by little' or 'slowly.' You will find this in Rumi's poetry or classical songs. It suggests a beautiful, cumulative process.

برف‌ها به‌تدریج آب شدند.

The snow gradually melted.

In summary, choose به کندی when you want to sound professional, descriptive, and focused specifically on a low rate of speed. Use آرام for general use, and یواش for your close friends and family.

او یواش حرف زد تا کسی نشنود.

He spoke quietly so no one would hear.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Persian, the same word 'kond' is used for a slow car and a blunt knife. Using 'be kondi' is like saying you are moving with the 'bluntness' of speed.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /be kon.diː/

US /beɪ kʊn.diː/

The primary stress falls on the final syllable '-di'.

Rhymes With

تندی (tondi - speed) بلندی (bolandi - height) سربلندی (sarbolandi - pride) ارجمندی (arjomandi - dignity) هوشمندی (hushmandi - intelligence) بذله‌گویی (bazleguyi - wit) پسندی (pasandi - liking) دربندی (darbandi - captivity)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'be' as 'bee' (long E). It should be a short 'e'.
Putting the stress on 'kon' instead of 'di'.
Merging the two words into one sound 'bekondi' without a slight gap.
Pronouncing the 'k' too softly; it should be a clear unaspirated k.
Making the 'n' in 'kon' too nasal.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text due to the 'be' prefix.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of when to use formal vs. informal adverbs.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation is simple, but register choice is tricky.

Listening 3/5

Clearly audible in formal broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

به کند حرکت زمان کار

Learn Next

به‌تدریج به سرعت آرام آرام ناگهان به‌زودی

Advanced

طمأنینه تأمل درنگ وقار اکراه

Grammar to Know

Adverb Formation with 'be'

به (Preposition) + Noun = Adverb. (e.g., به کندی, به سرعت, به آرامی)

Adverb Placement

Adverbs usually precede the verb. (او به کندی آمد.)

Intensifying Adverbs

Using 'بسیار' or 'خیلی' before 'به کندی'.

Formal vs Informal Register

Using 'به کندی' in writing vs 'یواش' in speech.

Negative Connotation in Formal Contexts

'به کندی' often implies a problem or inefficiency in administrative contexts.

Examples by Level

لاک‌پشت به کندی راه می‌رود.

The turtle walks slowly.

Subject + Adverb + Verb

او به کندی می‌نویسد.

He writes slowly.

Adverb 'be kondi' modifies the verb 'neveshtan'.

ماشین به کندی حرکت می‌کند.

The car moves slowly.

Simple present tense with adverb.

حلزون به کندی می‌خزد.

The snail crawls slowly.

Natural movement described by 'be kondi'.

پیرمرد به کندی قدم می‌زند.

The old man strolls slowly.

Compound verb 'ghadam zadan' with adverb.

ساعت به کندی می‌گذرد.

The clock/time passes slowly.

Abstract usage of time passing.

او به کندی غذا می‌خورد.

He eats slowly.

Manner of eating.

آب به کندی می‌ریزد.

The water pours slowly.

Describing flow.

قطار به کندی از ایستگاه خارج شد.

The train left the station slowly.

Past tense usage.

او به کندی به سوالات پاسخ داد.

He answered the questions slowly.

Adverb modifying a compound verb.

برف‌ها به کندی در حال ذوب شدن هستند.

The snow is melting slowly.

Present continuous construction.

پروژه ما به کندی پیش می‌رود.

Our project is progressing slowly.

Describing progress.

او به کندی در را باز کرد.

He opened the door slowly.

Narrative past tense.

کامپیوتر قدیمی به کندی کار می‌کند.

The old computer works slowly.

Describing performance.

گل‌ها به کندی رشد می‌کنند.

The flowers grow slowly.

Biological process.

او به کندی از پله‌ها پایین آمد.

He came down the stairs slowly.

Motion verb with adverb.

اقتصاد کشور به کندی در حال بهبود است.

The country's economy is improving slowly.

Formal register for economic news.

او به کندی با شرایط جدید سازگار شد.

He slowly adapted to the new conditions.

Psychological adaptation.

مذاکرات به کندی به نتیجه می‌رسند.

The negotiations are slowly reaching a result.

Abstract process.

بیمار به کندی بهبود می‌یابد.

The patient is recovering slowly.

Medical context.

اینترنت در این منطقه به کندی وصل می‌شود.

The internet connects slowly in this area.

Technical performance.

او به کندی کتاب را ورق زد.

He slowly flipped the pages of the book.

Descriptive narrative.

جمعیت این شهر به کندی افزایش می‌یابد.

The population of this city is increasing slowly.

Demographic description.

او به کندی شروع به صحبت کرد.

He slowly began to speak.

Inceptive action with adverb.

تغییرات اجتماعی معمولاً به کندی رخ می‌دهند.

Social changes usually occur slowly.

Sociological statement.

او به کندی و با احتیاط از یخ عبور کرد.

He crossed the ice slowly and cautiously.

Double adverbs for emphasis.

روند قانونی پرونده به کندی پیش می‌رود.

The legal process of the case is moving slowly.

Legal/Bureaucratic context.

او به کندی خاطرات تلخ را فراموش می‌کند.

He is slowly forgetting the bitter memories.

Emotional process.

تکنولوژی قدیمی به کندی جای خود را به ابزارهای جدید می‌دهد.

Old technology is slowly giving way to new tools.

Technological transition.

جریان رودخانه در تابستان به کندی پیش می‌رود.

The river flow moves slowly in summer.

Environmental description.

او به کندی از شوک حادثه خارج شد.

He slowly came out of the shock of the incident.

Psychological recovery.

نویسنده به کندی داستان را به پایان رساند.

The author slowly brought the story to an end.

Creative process.

فرسایش خاک به کندی اما به طور مداوم ادامه دارد.

Soil erosion continues slowly but steadily.

Scientific/Geological description.

او به کندی و با طمأنینه به سخنرانی پرداخت.

He delivered the speech slowly and with composure.

High-level vocabulary (طمأنینه).

اصلاحات سیاسی در این کشور به کندی صورت می‌پذیرد.

Political reforms in this country are taking place slowly.

Formal verb 'surat paziroftan'.

نور ستاره‌ها به کندی به زمین می‌رسد.

The light from the stars reaches Earth slowly (over time).

Cosmological context.

او به کندی و با وسواس مدارک را بررسی کرد.

He examined the documents slowly and obsessively/meticulously.

Describing meticulous action.

روند پیری در انسان به کندی پیش می‌رود.

The aging process in humans progresses slowly.

Biological observation.

او به کندی در میان جمعیت ناپدید شد.

He slowly disappeared into the crowd.

Narrative/Literary usage.

زخم‌های روحی به کندی التیام می‌یابند.

Spiritual/Emotional wounds heal slowly.

Metaphorical usage.

چرخ‌های عدالت به کندی اما با دقت می‌چرخند.

The wheels of justice turn slowly but accurately.

Proverbial/Idiomatic expression.

او به کندی و با وقار از صحنه خارج شد.

He exited the stage slowly and with dignity/grace.

Highly formal/literary register.

تکامل گونه‌ها به کندی در طول میلیون‌ها سال رخ داده است.

The evolution of species has occurred slowly over millions of years.

Scientific/Academic discourse.

او به کندی و با تأمل به هر واژه می‌اندیشید.

He thought slowly and with reflection about every word.

Cognitive process description.

تراکم ابرها به کندی در افق شکل گرفت.

The density of clouds formed slowly on the horizon.

Meteorological/Literary description.

او به کندی از نردبان قدرت بالا رفت.

He slowly climbed the ladder of power.

Political metaphor.

موسیقی به کندی در فضای تالار طنین‌انداز شد.

The music slowly resonated through the hall.

Aesthetic/Sensory description.

او به کندی و با اکراه به اشتباه خود اعتراف کرد.

He slowly and reluctantly confessed to his mistake.

Emotional/Legal nuance.

Common Collocations

به کندی پیش رفتن

به کندی حرکت کردن

به کندی گذشتن

به کندی رشد کردن

به کندی بهبود یافتن

به کندی تغییر کردن

به کندی ذوب شدن

به کندی پاسخ دادن

به کندی ورق زدن

به کندی ظاهر شدن

Common Phrases

روند به کندی

— The process is slow. Used in administrative contexts.

روند اداری به کندی انجام می‌شود.

بسیار به کندی

— Extremely slowly. Adds emphasis.

او بسیار به کندی راه می‌رود.

به کندی اما پیوسته

— Slowly but steadily. A common motivational phrase.

او به کندی اما پیوسته پیشرفت می‌کند.

به کندی هر چه تمام‌تر

— As slowly as possible. Used for extreme slowness.

او به کندی هر چه تمام‌تر از اتاق خارج شد.

به کندی و با دقت

— Slowly and carefully. Used for meticulous tasks.

او به کندی و با دقت نقاشی کرد.

به کندی و با تردید

— Slowly and hesitantly. Used for emotional scenes.

او به کندی و با تردید جلو آمد.

به کندی و با درد

— Slowly and with pain. Used for physical injury.

او به کندی و با درد بلند شد.

به کندی و با وقار

— Slowly and with dignity. Used for formal movements.

ملکه به کندی و با وقار وارد شد.

به کندی و با اکراه

— Slowly and reluctantly. Used when someone doesn't want to do something.

او به کندی و با اکراه پذیرفت.

به کندی و با طمأنینه

— Slowly and with composure. A very formal expression.

او به کندی و با طمأنینه سخن گفت.

Often Confused With

به کندی vs آرام

English speakers use 'slowly' for both speed and volume. 'Ārām' covers both, but 'be kondi' is ONLY for speed.

به کندی vs به‌تدریج

Means 'gradually'. 'Be kondi' describes the speed at a point, while 'be-tadrij' describes a sequence of steps.

به کندی vs کند

This is the adjective. You can't say 'The car is slowly' (ماشین به کندی است). You must say 'The car is slow' (ماشین کند است).

Idioms & Expressions

"به کندی لاک‌پشت"

— As slow as a turtle. Used to mock someone's speed.

تو به کندی لاک‌پشت کار می‌کنی!

Informal/Sarcastic

"به کندی حلزون"

— As slow as a snail. Similar to the turtle idiom.

ترافیک به کندی حلزون حرکت می‌کرد.

Neutral

"به کندی گذشتن زمان"

— Time passing slowly. Usually implies boredom or suffering.

وقتی منتظری، زمان به کندی می‌گذرد.

Neutral

"به کندی دوزاری افتادن"

— To be slow on the uptake. To take a long time to understand a joke or situation.

دوزاری‌اش به کندی افتاد.

Slang/Informal

"به کندی پیش رفتن چرخ‌ها"

— Wheels moving slowly. Refers to a system or bureaucracy being slow.

چرخ‌های دولت به کندی می‌چرخند.

Political/Formal

"به کندی جان دادن"

— To die a slow death. Can be literal or metaphorical (e.g., a business).

آن شرکت به کندی در حال جان دادن است.

Literary/Formal

"به کندی آب شدن"

— To melt/fade away slowly. Used for hope or influence.

امیدهای او به کندی آب شدند.

Literary

"به کندی قد کشیدن"

— To grow tall slowly. Used for children or trees.

درختان به کندی قد می‌کشند.

Neutral

"به کندی ورق خوردن تاریخ"

— History turning its pages slowly. Refers to slow historical change.

تاریخ در این منطقه به کندی ورق می‌خورد.

Academic/Literary

"به کندی دم کشیدن"

— To brew slowly. Usually used for tea or rice, implying quality.

چای به کندی دم کشید.

Neutral

Easily Confused

به کندی vs کُند

It is the root word.

'Kond' is an adjective (slow), while 'be kondi' is an adverb (slowly).

این چاقو کند است. (This knife is blunt/slow.) vs او به کندی کار می‌کند.

به کندی vs کُنده

Sounds similar.

'Konde' means a log of wood.

کنده درخت در آتش است.

به کندی vs تندی

Opposite meaning but rhymes.

'Tondi' means speed or spiciness.

او به تندی (quickly) رفت.

به کندی vs کندی (Name)

Sounds like the US President's name.

In Persian, 'Kondi' means slowness.

کندیِ حرکت آزاردهنده است.

به کندی vs قندی

Similar sound (Ghandi vs Kondi).

'Ghandi' means sugary or related to sugar.

شربت قندی.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] به کندی [Verb].

من به کندی می‌روم.

[Subject] [Object] را به کندی [Verb].

او در را به کندی باز کرد.

[Abstract Subject] به کندی در حال [Progressive Verb] است.

اقتصاد به کندی در حال رشد است.

[Subject] به کندی و با [Noun] [Verb].

او به کندی و با احتیاط راه رفت.

اگرچه [Subject] به کندی [Verb]، اما...

اگرچه پروژه به کندی پیش می‌رود، اما نتایج خوبی دارد.

به کندیِ هر چه تمام‌تر، [Subject] [Verb].

به کندیِ هر چه تمام‌تر، پیرمرد از صندلی بلند شد.

Any

زمان به کندی می‌گذرد.

Time passes slowly.

Formal

روندِ [Noun] به کندی صورت می‌گیرد.

روند بازسازی به کندی صورت می‌گیرد.

Word Family

Nouns

کندی (kondi - slowness)

کندرو (kond-ro - slow-moving vehicle/person)

Verbs

کند کردن (kond kardan - to slow down)

کندی کردن (kondi kardan - to act slowly/hesitate)

Adjectives

کند (kond - slow/blunt)

کندذهن (kond-zehn - dull-witted)

آرام (ārām)

آهسته (āheste)

تأخیر (ta'khir)

درنگ (derang)

سستی (sosti)

How to Use It

frequency

High in written Persian, medium-low in spoken Persian.

Common Mistakes

لطفا به کندی صحبت کنید. → لطفا آرام‌تر صحبت کنید.
You are using a formal word where a polite request for volume/speed is needed. 'Ārām' is more natural here.
این ماشین به کندی است. → این ماشین کند است.
You are using an adverb instead of an adjective. Use 'kond' to describe the car.
او رفت به کندی. → او به کندی رفت.
In Persian, the adverb should come before the verb, not after it.
من به کندی از شما متشکرم. → N/A
You cannot use 'be kondi' to modify 'thank you'. It doesn't make sense in Persian.
او به کندی در را بست (when meaning quietly). → او آرام در را بست.
If the goal was to close the door without making noise, 'ārām' is the correct choice.

Tips

Adverb Placement

Always try to place 'be kondi' right before the verb. This is the most natural position in Persian sentences.

Formal vs Informal

Save 'be kondi' for your writing. If you're talking to a friend about a slow movie, 'ārām' is better.

Stress the 'Di'

Make sure the 'di' sound at the end is clear and has the primary stress of the word.

Economic Context

If you are writing about economics or business, 'be kondi' is the standard way to describe slow growth.

Bureaucracy

Iranians often joke about 'kondi-ye edari' (administrative slowness). Using this word shows you understand the culture.

News Keywords

When listening to Persian news, look out for 'be kondi' to identify descriptions of progress or change.

Not for Volume

Never use 'be kondi' to ask someone to speak more quietly. It will confuse them!

The Snail Bridge

Imagine the 'be' is a bridge and 'kondi' is a snail crossing it. Bridges are long, snails are slow.

Poetic Contrast

Use 'be kondi' in a story to contrast with a sudden, fast action (be sor'at) to create drama.

Daily Observation

Look at things around you (a clock, a plant, a cloud) and say 'In [Subject] be kondi [Verb] mikonad'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CON' (kon) artist who is 'DI' (di)ing of old age; he moves 'BE-KON-DI' (slowly).

Visual Association

Imagine a giant 'B' (به) and a 'Candy' (کندی) bar. If you try to eat a giant candy bar, you must do it 'be kondi' (slowly) or you'll get a stomach ache.

Word Web

کند (Adjective) کندی (Noun) به کندی (Adverb) کند کردن (Verb) آرام (Synonym) به سرعت (Antonym) حرکت (Context) زمان (Context)

Challenge

Try to describe your morning routine using 'به کندی' three times in a paragraph. For example: 'I woke up slowly, I drank my coffee slowly...'

Word Origin

The phrase is composed of the Middle Persian preposition 'pad' (which became 'be') and the noun 'kondi'. The root 'kond' has Indo-European origins, relating to things that are blunt or lacking a sharp edge.

Original meaning: Originally, 'kond' referred to a blade that was not sharp. This metaphor extended to speed (not 'sharp' or 'fast' movement) and intelligence (not 'sharp' wit).

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

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it to describe someone's mental capacity (use 'kond-zehn' instead, though it is offensive).

English speakers often use 'slowly' for everything. In Persian, 'be kondi' is more specific to formal or physical slowness, whereas 'ārām' is used for 'quietly'.

Used in news reports by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). Found in the translations of Western philosophical works into Persian (e.g., Heidegger or Kant). Common in modern Iranian cinema subtitles to describe slow-motion scenes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Traffic and Transportation

ترافیک به کندی حرکت می‌کند.
قطار به کندی ایستاد.
ماشین به کندی از تپه بالا رفت.
کشتی به کندی به ساحل نزدیک شد.

Work and Projects

پروژه به کندی پیش می‌رود.
او به کندی کار می‌کند.
گزارش به کندی آماده شد.
روند استخدام به کندی صورت می‌گیرد.

Nature and Science

یخ‌ها به کندی ذوب می‌شوند.
گیاه به کندی رشد می‌کند.
خورشید به کندی غروب کرد.
فرسایش به کندی رخ می‌دهد.

Health and Recovery

او به کندی بهبود می‌یابد.
زخم به کندی خوب می‌شود.
بیمار به کندی حرکت می‌کند.
حافظه‌اش به کندی برمی‌گردد.

Time and Emotions

زمان به کندی می‌گذرد.
او به کندی لبخند زد.
خاطرات به کندی پاک می‌شوند.
او به کندی سرش را تکان داد.

Conversation Starters

"چرا این پروژه اینقدر به کندی پیش می‌رود؟ (Why is this project moving so slowly?)"

"آیا فکر می‌کنی اقتصاد به کندی در حال رشد است؟ (Do you think the economy is growing slowly?)"

"چرا ترافیک امروز به کندی حرکت می‌کند؟ (Why is traffic moving slowly today?)"

"آیا زمان در محیط کار برای تو به کندی می‌گذرد؟ (Does time pass slowly for you at work?)"

"چگونه می‌توانیم از این وضعیت که به کندی پیش می‌رود خارج شویم؟ (How can we get out of this slow-moving situation?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که احساس کردید زمان به کندی می‌گذرد. (Write about a time you felt time was passing slowly.)

آیا ترجیح می‌دهید کارها را به کندی و با دقت انجام دهید یا سریع؟ چرا؟ (Do you prefer to do things slowly and carefully or fast? Why?)

یک فرآیند طبیعی را توصیف کنید که به کندی رخ می‌دهد. (Describe a natural process that happens slowly.)

درباره یک تغییر اجتماعی در کشور خود بنویسید که به کندی در حال انجام است. (Write about a social change in your country that is happening slowly.)

توصیف کنید که چگونه یک نفر به کندی از یک بیماری بهبود می‌یابد. (Describe how someone slowly recovers from an illness.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very strange. Use 'yavāsh' or 'āram' instead. 'Be kondi' is for describing, not commanding.

Yes, 'be kondi' is strictly formal. 'Āram' is neutral and can be used in almost any situation.

No. It only refers to speed. If you want to say 'quietly', use 'āram' or 'yavāsh' or 'ba sedaye payin'.

The most common formal opposite is 'be sor'at' (quickly) or 'sari' (fast).

You can say 'besyār be kondi' or 'kheyli be kondi'.

No, you would use the adjective 'kond' or 'kond-zehn' (dull-witted) for that, though be careful as it is rude.

It is always 'be kondi'. 'Ba' (with) is used in other phrases, but this specific adverb uses 'be'.

It comes from the adjective 'kond' (slow/blunt) plus the suffix '-i' to make it a noun (slowness), then the preposition 'be' to make it an adverb.

Yes, it is very common in poetry to describe the slow passage of time or the slow movements of nature.

Yes, it is standard in Iranian Persian, Dari, and Tajik, though the pronunciation might vary slightly.