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धीमा

A1 noun #800 most common 10 min read

धीमा

dheema Top 800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips धीमा in 30 Seconds

Explanation धीमा in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'धीमा' (Dheema) is one of the first adjectives you learn to describe the physical world. You use it in very simple subject-adjective-verb structures. For example, 'गाड़ी धीमी है' (The car is slow). At this stage, the focus is on basic sensory descriptions: loud vs. soft sound, fast vs. slow speed. You will mostly use it to ask people to slow down or to describe the weather. The most important thing for an A1 learner is to remember that 'धीमा' changes to 'धीमी' for feminine words like 'आवाज़' (voice). You don't need to worry about complex idioms yet; just focus on using it for speed and volume in daily life.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'धीमा' in more varied contexts, such as cooking and simple instructions. You will learn the phrase 'धीमी आँच' (low flame), which is essential for following recipes. You also start using 'धीमा' to describe the intensity of light or the progress of a task. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'धीमा' (adjective) and 'धीरे' (adverb). You might say, 'वह धीरे चलता है' (He walks slowly) but 'उसकी चाल धीमी है' (His gait is slow). You are also introduced to the idea of 'धीमा' being used for weather, like 'धीमी बारिश' (light rain).

By B1, you are expected to use 'धीमा' in abstract and professional contexts. You can talk about the 'धीमी अर्थव्यवस्था' (slow economy) or a 'धीमा विकास' (slow development). You start noticing 'धीमा' in media, such as news reports or newspaper headlines. You also begin to use synonyms like 'मंद' (Mand) in more formal writing. At this level, you understand the nuance of using 'धीमा' to describe personality traits or mental states, such as 'धीमी समझ' (slow understanding). Your sentences become more complex, using 'धीमा' in subordinate clauses.

At the B2 level, you can appreciate the lyrical and idiomatic uses of 'धीमा'. You understand how 'धीमे-धीमे' is used in poetry and songs to create a specific mood. You can use the word to describe subtle changes in atmosphere or emotion. For instance, you might describe a 'धीमी मुस्कान' (a faint smile) and explain the social cues behind it. You are also comfortable using the word in technical discussions, perhaps describing a 'धीमी प्रक्रिया' (slow process) in science or industry. Your use of gender agreement is now instinctive and error-free.

At the C1 level, 'धीमा' is used with precision and stylistic flair. You can distinguish between 'धीमा', 'मंद', 'सुस्त', and 'आहिस्ता' based on the register and the specific connotation you want to convey. You can write essays or give presentations where 'धीमा' is used metaphorically to discuss social trends or philosophical concepts like 'Slow Living'. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to its Sanskrit roots. You can also identify and use rare idioms involving the word.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'धीमा'. You can use it in creative writing to evoke deep sensory imagery. You understand the subtle irony or sarcasm that can be conveyed by calling something 'धीमा'. You are familiar with classical literature where 'मंद' and 'धीमा' are used in complex metaphors. You can participate in high-level debates about economic 'slowdowns' using precise terminology. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a versatile tool in your linguistic repertoire that you use with absolute confidence and nuance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

धीमा in 30 Seconds

Dheema means slow, dim, or low in volume.
It inflects as Dheema (M), Dheemi (F), and Dheeme (Plural/Adverb).
It is used for speed, sound, light, and abstract processes.
The common opposite is 'Tez', meaning fast or loud.

The Hindi word धीमा (Dheema) is a versatile adjective and adverb primarily used to describe a lack of speed, intensity, or volume. At its core, it translates to 'slow,' 'dim,' or 'low' in English. For a beginner learning Hindi, understanding 'धीमा' is essential because it applies to almost every sensory experience: the speed of a car, the volume of music, the brightness of a lamp, or the pace of a conversation. It is a word that captures the essence of moderation and reduced energy. In a world that often moves too fast, 'धीमा' is the linguistic tool used to ask for a pause or a reduction in intensity.

Speed (गति): When referring to physical movement, 'धीमा' describes something that is not fast. For example, a slow train or a slow walker. It is often contrasted with 'तेज़' (Tez), which means fast.

यह पंखा बहुत धीमा चल रहा है। (This fan is moving very slowly.)

Sound (ध्वनि): In the context of audio, 'धीमा' refers to low volume. If someone is speaking too loudly, you might ask them to be 'धीमा'. It is also used to describe soft background music.

Beyond physical speed and sound, 'धीमा' is used to describe processes. An economic slowdown, a slow-cooking flame, or a slow recovery from illness all utilize this word. In the kitchen, you will frequently hear 'धीमी आँच' (dheemi aanch), which means 'low flame'—a crucial instruction for many Indian recipes like Dal or Biryani. Culturally, the word often carries a connotation of calmness or gentleness, though in a competitive work environment, it might be used critically to describe someone's lack of productivity.

कृपया संगीत थोड़ा धीमा कर दें। (Please turn the music down a bit.)

Light (प्रकाश): When a room is dimly lit, we use 'धीमी रोशनी' (dheemi roshni). This is common in descriptions of romantic settings or power outages.

In emotional contexts, 'धीमा' can describe a faint smile or a low-intensity feeling. It suggests something that is present but not overwhelming. For instance, 'धीमी मुस्कान' (a faint smile) suggests shyness or subtle approval rather than an exuberant laugh. Understanding these nuances helps a learner move from basic translation to natural expression. Whether you are navigating a busy street in Delhi and asking a rickshaw puller to slow down, or adjusting the volume on a television, 'धीमा' is your go-to word for moderation.

आज हवा बहुत धीमी है। (The wind is very light/slow today.)

उसकी आवाज़ बहुत धीमी थी। (His/Her voice was very low.)

Using 'धीमा' correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's gender-agreement rules. Since 'धीमा' is an adjective ending in 'आ' (aa), it is highly inflected. This means it changes its form to match the noun it modifies. This section will guide you through the grammatical transformations and the specific contexts where each form is used. Mastery of these variations is what separates a beginner from an intermediate speaker.

Masculine Singular: धीमा (Dheema): Used with masculine singular nouns like 'शोर' (noise), 'संगीत' (music), or 'काम' (work). Example: 'धीमा संगीत' (Slow/soft music).

शहर का विकास बहुत धीमा है। (The city's development is very slow.)

Feminine (Singular & Plural): धीमी (Dheemi): Used with feminine nouns like 'गति' (speed), 'आवाज़' (voice), or 'आँच' (flame). Example: 'धीमी आवाज़' (Low voice).

खाना धीमी आँच पर पकाएं। (Cook the food on a low flame.)

When constructing sentences, 'धीमा' usually precedes the noun it describes, but it can also follow the noun when used with a linking verb (like 'is' or 'was'). For example, 'धीमी चाल' (slow gait) vs 'उसकी चाल धीमी है' (his gait is slow). It is important to note that 'धीमा' can also be used to describe abstract concepts like 'धीमा ज़हर' (slow poison), which is a common idiom in Hindi films and literature to describe something that destroys slowly from within.

नदी का बहाव धीमा हो गया है। (The river's flow has become slow.)

Masculine Plural / Oblique: धीमे (Dheeme): Used with masculine plural nouns or in the oblique case. However, in modern spoken Hindi, 'धीमे' is most frequently used as a synonym for 'slowly'.

One of the most common sentence patterns involves the verb 'करना' (to do) or 'होना' (to be). 'धीमा करना' means to slow down or lower (volume/intensity). 'धीमा होना' means to become slow or to fade. If you are in a taxi and the driver is going too fast, you would say, 'गाड़ी धीमी करो' (Slow the car down). If you are listening to the radio and it's too loud, you say 'आवाज़ धीमी करो'. This versatility makes it one of the top 500 most useful words in the Hindi language.

क्या आप थोड़ा धीमे बोल सकते हैं? (Can you speak a bit more slowly/softly?)

If you spend a day in an Indian city, you will hear the word 'धीमा' or its variations dozens of times. It is embedded in the daily rhythm of life, from the kitchen to the street to the cinema. Understanding the 'real-world' application of this word helps you transition from textbook learning to cultural immersion. In India, where noise levels can be high and the pace of life in cities is frantic, 'धीमा' often acts as a request for peace or safety.

In the Kitchen (रसोई में): Indian cooking is an art of temperature control. You will hear mothers telling their children or cooks, 'गैस धीमी कर दो' (Turn the gas down). This is essential for simmering spices without burning them.

चाय को धीमी आँच पर उबलने दो। (Let the tea boil on a low flame.)

On the Road (सड़क पर): Traffic signs in India often read 'गति धीमी रखें' (Keep speed slow). When riding in an auto-rickshaw or taxi, if the driver is being reckless, a polite 'भाई साहब, थोड़ा धीमे चलिए' (Brother, please go a bit slower) is a common phrase.

In professional settings, 'धीमा' is used in reports and news broadcasts. You might hear an anchor say, 'अर्थव्यवस्था की गति धीमी हो गई है' (The pace of the economy has slowed down). In technology, if your internet is lagging, you would say 'इंटरनेट बहुत धीमा है' (The internet is very slow). It is also a key word in the healthcare sector, where doctors might describe a patient's 'धीमी नब्ज़' (slow pulse) or 'धीमा सुधार' (slow recovery).

आज इंटरनेट बहुत धीमा चल रहा है। (The internet is running very slowly today.)

Social Etiquette (सामाजिक शिष्टाचार): If you are in a library or a place of worship, someone might whisper 'धीमे बोलिए' (Speak softly). Here, 'धीमे' functions as a request for lower volume and respect for the environment.

Finally, in the world of weather forecasting, 'धीमी बारिश' (light rain/drizzle) is a common term. Unlike a 'भारी बारिश' (heavy rain), 'धीमी बारिश' suggests a pleasant, steady rain that doesn't disrupt life but cools the temperature. As you can see, 'धीमा' is not just a word; it's a descriptor for the intensity of life itself in the Hindi-speaking world.

बाहर धीमी बारिश हो रही है। (It is raining lightly outside.)

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using 'धीमा' is failing to distinguish between an adjective and an adverb. In English, 'slow' can sometimes function as both, but in Hindi, the distinction is more formal. Additionally, the confusion between 'धीमा' (dheema) and 'धीरे' (dheere) is the number one hurdle for A1 and A2 learners. Let's break down these common pitfalls to ensure your Hindi sounds natural and grammatically correct.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'धीमा' with 'धीरे': 'धीमा' is an adjective (describes a noun). 'धीरे' is an adverb (describes an action). You say 'धीमी गाड़ी' (slow car) but 'धीरे चलो' (walk slowly). Using 'धीमा चलो' is technically incorrect in standard Hindi, though often heard in slang.

गलत: वह धीमा बोलता है। (Wrong: He speaks slow.)
सही: वह धीरे बोलता है। (Right: He speaks slowly.)

Mistake 2: Gender Mismatch: Learners often forget that 'धीमा' must match the noun. Since 'आवाज़' (voice) is feminine, you must say 'धीमी आवाज़', not 'धीमा आवाज़'. Since 'संगीत' (music) is masculine, it's 'धीमा संगीत'.

Another common error is using 'धीमा' when you actually mean 'कम' (less/low). While 'धीमा' works for volume, it doesn't work for quantity. You cannot say 'धीमा चीनी' for 'less sugar'; you must use 'कम चीनी'. Similarly, 'धीमा' is not used for height. A short person is 'नाटा' or 'कम कद का', never 'धीमा'.

गलत: चाय में धीमी चीनी डालो। (Wrong: Put slow sugar in tea.)
सही: चाय में कम चीनी डालो। (Right: Put less sugar in tea.)

Mistake 3: Overusing 'धीमा' for 'Late': In English, 'slow' can sometimes imply being late. In Hindi, 'धीमा' only refers to speed. If a train is late, use 'देर' (der). 'ट्रेन धीमी है' means the train is currently moving at a low speed, not necessarily that it will arrive late.

Finally, be careful with the word 'हल्का' (halka). While 'हल्का' means 'light' (weight or color), 'धीमा' means 'light' (intensity of sound or light). If you want to say the light is dim, 'धीमी रोशनी' is better than 'हल्की रोशनी', although both are sometimes used interchangeably in casual speech. To be precise, use 'धीमा' for intensity and 'हल्का' for weight.

To truly master Hindi, you need to know when to use 'धीमा' and when a synonym might be more appropriate. Hindi has a rich vocabulary derived from Sanskrit (Tatsam), Persian/Arabic (Urdu influence), and local dialects. Each synonym of 'धीमा' carries a slightly different flavor or register. By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your speech to be more formal, more poetic, or more conversational.

मंद (Mand): This is a formal, Sanskrit-derived word. It is used in literature and formal speeches. You might hear 'मंद हवा' (gentle breeze) or 'मंद बुद्धि' (slow-witted/dull). It sounds more sophisticated than 'धीमा'.

उपवन में मंद सुगंध फैली थी। (A faint fragrance was spread in the garden.)

आहिस्ता (Aahista): Of Persian origin, this word is very common in Urdu-influenced Hindi and Bollywood songs. It feels more rhythmic and romantic. It is almost always used as an adverb meaning 'slowly' or 'gently'.

Another alternative is 'सुस्त' (Sust), which means 'lazy' or 'sluggish'. While 'धीमा' describes the speed, 'सुस्त' describes the lack of energy behind the speed. If a person is walking slowly because they are tired or lazy, 'सुस्त' is the better word. For a machine that is underperforming, you might also use 'सुस्त'.

हल्का (Halka): While primarily meaning 'lightweight', it is often used as a synonym for 'धीमा' when referring to sound or color. 'हल्का संगीत' and 'धीमा संगीत' are virtually interchangeable.

वह बहुत सुस्त लड़का है। (He is a very sluggish/lazy boy.)

In technical or mathematical contexts, you might use 'न्यून' (Nyoon) for 'minimal' or 'low'. However, for everyday conversation, sticking to 'धीमा' and 'धीरे' will serve you best. As you progress to B1 and B2 levels, try incorporating 'मंद' and 'आहिस्ता' to add variety and flavor to your Hindi prose and conversation.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"प्रोजेक्ट की प्रगति अत्यंत धीमी है।"

Neutral

"गाड़ी धीमी चल रही है।"

Informal

"अरे, थोड़ा धीमे बोल यार!"

Child friendly

"कछुआ धीमा-धीमा चलता है।"

Slang

"वो बंदा थोड़ा धीमा है क्या?"

Fun Fact

The word 'Dheema' is related to the concept of 'Dhairya' (patience) in Sanskrit, suggesting that slowness is often linked to being patient and steady.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈd̪ʱiː.mɑː/

US /ˈdi.mɑ/

Stress is on the first syllable 'Dhee'.

Rhymes With

सीमा (Seema) बीमा (Beema) कीमा (Keema) नीमा (Neema) गरिमा (Garima - partial) महिमा (Mahima - partial) रेशमा (Reshma - partial) सुषमा (Sushma - partial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'dh' as a simple 'd'. It must be aspirated.
Making the 'ee' sound too short.
Failing to dentalize the 'd' (tongue should touch the teeth).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering gender agreement (a/i/e).

Speaking 2/5

Aspiration of 'dh' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick up in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

तेज़ (Fast) आवाज़ (Voice) गाड़ी (Car) कम (Less) ज़्यादा (More)

Learn Next

धीरे (Slowly) जल्दी (Quickly) आहिस्ता (Gently) रफ़्तार (Speed) गति (Pace)

Advanced

मंद (Mand) सुस्त (Sust) विलंबित (Vilambit) शिथिल (Shithil) न्यून (Nyoon)

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

धीमा (M), धीमी (F), धीमे (Plural)

Adverbial Transformation

Dheema (adj) -> Dheere (adv)

Intensifiers

बहुत धीमा (Very slow), थोड़ा धीमा (A bit slow)

Compound Verbs

धीमा करना (To slow down), धीमा होना (To become slow)

Reduplication

धीमे-धीमे (Gradually/Very slowly)

Examples by Level

गाड़ी धीमी है।

The car is slow.

Simple adjective-noun agreement.

आवाज़ धीमी करो।

Lower the volume.

Imperative use with 'karo'.

पंखा धीमा है।

The fan is slow.

Masculine singular agreement.

चाय धीमी है।

The tea is (cooling) slowly / light.

Feminine singular agreement.

वह धीमा बोलता है।

He speaks softly.

Adverbial use in casual speech.

रेडियो धीमा कर दो।

Turn down the radio.

Compound verb 'dheema kar do'.

आज हवा धीमी है।

The wind is light today.

Describing weather.

यह बहुत धीमा है।

This is very slow.

Use of 'bahut' as an intensifier.

खाना धीमी आँच पर पकाओ।

Cook the food on a low flame.

Essential cooking phrase.

बाहर धीमी बारिश हो रही है।

It is raining lightly outside.

Describing intensity of rain.

उसकी आवाज़ बहुत धीमी थी।

Her voice was very low.

Past tense with 'thi'.

कंप्यूटर बहुत धीमा चल रहा है।

The computer is running very slowly.

Describing technology performance.

क्या आप संगीत धीमा कर सकते हैं?

Can you turn the music down?

Polite request using 'sakte hain'.

नदी का पानी धीमा है।

The river water is (moving) slowly.

Describing natural flow.

वह धीमी चाल से चलता है।

He walks with a slow gait.

Using 'chaal' (gait) which is feminine.

रोशनी बहुत धीमी है, मुझे कुछ नहीं दिख रहा।

The light is very dim, I can't see anything.

Describing visibility.

देश की आर्थिक प्रगति धीमी हो गई है।

The country's economic progress has slowed down.

Abstract noun 'pragati' is feminine.

मरीज़ की हालत में धीमा सुधार है।

There is slow improvement in the patient's condition.

Describing a process.

लेखक ने धीमी शैली में कहानी लिखी है।

The author has written the story in a slow style.

Describing literary style.

भीड़ के कारण यातायात धीमा था।

Traffic was slow due to the crowd.

Describing traffic conditions.

उसने एक धीमी मुस्कान के साथ उत्तर दिया।

He replied with a faint smile.

Describing facial expressions.

पुराने फ़ोन का प्रोसेसर धीमा होता है।

The processor of an old phone is slow.

General fact statement.

धीमी आवाज़ में बात करना शिष्टाचार है।

Talking in a low voice is etiquette.

Gerundial phrase as subject.

फिल्म की शुरुआत थोड़ी धीमी थी।

The beginning of the movie was a bit slow.

Critiquing media.

बदलते मौसम के साथ व्यापार धीमा पड़ गया है।

Business has slowed down with the changing weather.

Compound verb 'dheema pad gaya'.

उसकी धीमी आवाज़ में एक अजीब सा दर्द था।

There was a strange pain in her low voice.

Adding emotional nuance.

वैज्ञानिकों ने इस धीमी प्रक्रिया का अध्ययन किया।

Scientists studied this slow process.

Formal scientific context.

धीमी गति से चलने वाले वाहनों के लिए अलग लेन है।

There is a separate lane for slow-moving vehicles.

Using 'gati' (speed) formally.

रात के सन्नाटे में घड़ी की धीमी आवाज़ सुनाई दे रही थी।

In the silence of the night, the slow ticking of the clock was audible.

Describing atmosphere.

उसने धीमी आवाज़ में अपना विरोध दर्ज कराया।

He registered his protest in a low voice.

Formal social interaction.

इंटरनेट की धीमी गति काम में बाधा डाल रही है।

The slow speed of the internet is hindering work.

Describing cause and effect.

धीमी आँच पर बना खाना अधिक स्वादिष्ट होता है।

Food cooked on a low flame is more delicious.

Proverbial wisdom.

वैश्विक मंदी के कारण निर्यात की दर धीमी हो गई है।

The rate of exports has slowed down due to the global recession.

Economic terminology.

उनकी कविताओं में एक धीमा और गहरा दर्शन मिलता है।

A slow and deep philosophy is found in his poems.

Abstract literary analysis.

प्रशासनिक कार्यों की धीमी गति जनता के लिए परेशानी का सबब है।

The slow pace of administrative work is a cause of trouble for the public.

Formal socio-political critique.

धीमी आवाज़ का जादू श्रोताओं को मंत्रमुग्ध कर गया।

The magic of the soft voice mesmerized the listeners.

Poetic expression.

न्याय की धीमी प्रक्रिया अक्सर अन्याय के समान होती है।

The slow process of justice is often equivalent to injustice.

Legal/Philosophical aphorism.

उसने धीमी और सधी हुई चाल से मंच पर प्रवेश किया।

He entered the stage with a slow and steady gait.

Describing controlled movement.

शहर की भागदौड़ के बीच वह एक धीमा जीवन जीना चाहता है।

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, he wants to live a slow life.

Concept of 'Slow Living'.

धीमी लौ की तरह उसका प्रेम भी स्थिर और गहरा था।

Like a low flame, his love was also steady and deep.

Metaphorical usage.

इतिहास के पन्नों में परिवर्तन की गति अक्सर बहुत धीमी प्रतीत होती है।

In the pages of history, the pace of change often appears very slow.

Historiographical observation.

उसकी धीमी और विचारशील वाणी ने सभा को सोचने पर मजबूर कर दिया।

His slow and thoughtful speech forced the assembly to think.

High-level rhetorical description.

तकनीकी विकास के इस युग में मानवीय संवेदनाएँ धीमी पड़ती जा रही हैं।

In this era of technological development, human sensitivities are slowing down/fading.

Sociological commentary.

उसने अपनी धीमी और रहस्यमयी मुस्कान से सबको उलझन में डाल दिया।

She confused everyone with her slow and mysterious smile.

Psychological nuance.

धीमी गति से बहने वाली जलधारा ने चट्टानों को भी तराश दिया था।

The slow-flowing stream had carved even the rocks.

Natural philosophy metaphor.

राजनीतिक सुधारों की धीमी बयार अब तेज़ होने लगी है।

The slow breeze of political reforms has now started to pick up speed.

Metaphorical political analysis.

उसका धीमा और नपा-तुला स्वर उसकी परिपक्वता का परिचायक था।

His slow and measured tone was indicative of his maturity.

Character analysis.

ब्रह्मांड के विस्तार की धीमी प्रक्रिया को समझना मानव बुद्धि के लिए एक चुनौती है।

Understanding the slow process of the expansion of the universe is a challenge for human intelligence.

Scientific/Cosmological context.

Synonyms

मंद सुस्त हल्का अल्प मद्धम

Antonyms

तेज़ तीव्र द्रुत

Common Collocations

धीमी आँच

धीमी आवाज़

धीमी गति

धीमी रोशनी

धीमी मुस्कान

धीमा संगीत

धीमा ज़हर

धीमी बारिश

धीमा विकास

धीमी चाल

Common Phrases

धीमे चलो

— Walk or drive slowly. Used as a command or advice.

सड़क खराब है, धीमे चलो।

धीमे बोलिए

— Please speak softly. Used in libraries or quiet places.

बच्चा सो रहा है, धीमे बोलिए।

धीमा पड़ना

— To slow down or lose momentum.

शाम होते ही बाज़ार धीमा पड़ गया।

धीमा करना

— To reduce the speed or volume of something.

पंखा धीमा कर दो।

धीमी शुरुआत

— A slow start to a project or event.

मैच की शुरुआत धीमी थी।

धीमी धार

— A slow or thin stream of liquid.

नल से धीमी धार आ रही है।

धीमी धड़कन

— A slow heartbeat.

डॉक्टर ने उसकी धीमी धड़कन जाँची।

धीमी आंच का खाना

— Food cooked slowly, often implying it is tastier.

धीमी आंच का खाना लाजवाब होता है।

धीमी चाल ढाल

— A slow or relaxed way of behaving.

उसकी धीमी चाल ढाल सबको पसंद है।

धीमी हवा

— A light breeze.

आज धीमी हवा चल रही है।

Often Confused With

धीमा vs धीरे (Dheere)

Dheere is an adverb (walk slowly), while Dheema is an adjective (slow car).

धीमा vs कम (Kam)

Kam means 'less' (quantity), while Dheema means 'low' (intensity/speed).

धीमा vs हल्का (Halka)

Halka means 'lightweight', while Dheema means 'dim/soft'.

Idioms & Expressions

"धीमा ज़हर"

— Something that causes harm slowly and unnoticed over time.

बुरी आदतें धीमा ज़हर होती हैं।

Common

"धीमी आँच पर पकना"

— To take a long time to develop or to be in a state of slow tension.

यह मामला कई महीनों से धीमी आँच पर पक रहा है।

Metaphorical

"धीमी मौत"

— A slow and painful decline or end.

नशा एक धीमी मौत है।

Dramatic

"धीमी चाल से चलना"

— To progress very slowly, often implying inefficiency.

सरकारी काम अक्सर धीमी चाल से चलते हैं।

Sarcastic

"धीमी आवाज़ का जादू"

— The power of gentle persuasion.

उसकी धीमी आवाज़ का जादू सब पर चल गया।

Literary

"धीमी लौ"

— A metaphor for hope or love that persists quietly.

उसके दिल में यादों की एक धीमी लौ जल रही थी।

Poetic

"धीमे सुर में"

— In a subtle or indirect manner.

उसने धीमे सुर में अपनी शिकायत की।

Neutral

"धीमी गति का समाचार"

— Something that is outdated or takes too long to arrive.

यह तो धीमी गति का समाचार है, मुझे पहले से पता था।

Informal

"धीमी मुस्कान बिखेरना"

— To smile subtly and charmingly.

उसने मेहमानों पर एक धीमी मुस्कान बिखेरी।

Literary

"धीमी रफ़्तार"

— Used to criticize lack of progress.

प्रोजेक्ट की धीमी रफ़्तार चिंताजनक है।

Professional

Easily Confused

धीमा vs धीरे

Both mean slow.

Dheere is an adverb; Dheema is an adjective.

धीरे चलो (Walk slowly) vs धीमी गाड़ी (Slow car).

धीमा vs सुस्त

Both describe lack of speed.

Sust implies laziness; Dheema just describes speed.

सुस्त नौकर (Lazy servant) vs धीमी चाल (Slow gait).

धीमा vs मंद

Synonyms.

Mand is formal/Sanskrit; Dheema is common/everyday.

मंद पवन (Gentle breeze) vs धीमी हवा (Light wind).

धीमा vs हल्का

Both can mean 'light'.

Halka is weight/color; Dheema is intensity/sound.

हल्का बस्ता (Light bag) vs धीमी आवाज़ (Soft voice).

धीमा vs नीचा

Both can mean 'low'.

Neecha is physical height/status; Dheema is intensity.

नीची मेज़ (Low table) vs धीमी आवाज़ (Low voice).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] [Adjective] है।

गाड़ी धीमी है।

[Noun] [Adjective] करो।

आवाज़ धीमी करो।

[Noun] [Adjective] [Noun] पर [Verb]।

खाना धीमी आँच पर पकाओ।

[Abstract Noun] [Adjective] हो गया है।

विकास धीमा हो गया है।

[Noun] की [Noun] [Adjective] थी।

उसकी आवाज़ की गति धीमी थी।

धीमी [Noun] के कारण [Result] हुआ।

धीमी रफ़्तार के कारण हम देर से पहुँचे।

जैसे-जैसे [Noun] [Verb], वैसे-वैसे [Noun] धीमा होता गया।

जैसे-जैसे रात बीती, शोर धीमा होता गया।

यह [Adjective] है।

यह धीमा है।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very High - Used daily in multiple contexts.

Common Mistakes

धीमा आवाज़ → धीमी आवाज़
Awaaz (voice) is feminine, so the adjective must be Dheemi.
वह धीमा चलता है → वह धीरे चलता है
Use the adverb 'Dheere' to describe the action of walking.
धीमा चीनी → कम चीनी
Dheema is for intensity/speed, not for quantity. Use 'Kam' for less sugar.
ट्रेन धीमी है (meaning late) → ट्रेन लेट है / ट्रेन को देर है
Dheema only refers to speed, not punctuality.
धीमा लड़का (meaning short) → नाटा लड़का
Dheema is not used for physical height.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Remember: धीमा (M), धीमी (F), धीमे (Plural). Always check the noun's gender!

Dheere vs Dheema

Use 'Dheere' for actions (verbs) and 'Dheema' for descriptions (nouns).

Cooking Secret

Master 'धीमी आँच' (low flame) to cook authentic Indian food without burning it.

Politeness

Asking someone to speak 'धीमे' is more polite than telling them to be quiet.

Song Lyrics

Listen for 'धीमे-धीमे' in Bollywood songs; it usually sets a romantic or calm mood.

Formal Tone

Use 'मंद' (Mand) in formal essays instead of 'धीमा' for a better impression.

Aspiration

The 'dh' in Dheema is aspirated. Blow a little air out when you say it.

Internet Slang

If your game is lagging, you can complain that the 'net dheema hai'.

Slow Poison

Learn 'धीमा ज़हर' (slow poison) to describe bad habits or toxic situations.

Visual Aid

Visualize a snail to remember 'धीमा' for speed.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Dim' light. 'Dim' sounds like the start of 'Dheema'. A dim light is a 'Dheema' light.

Visual Association

Imagine a snail (dheema) crawling next to a candle with a low flame (dheemi aanch).

Word Web

Speed Volume Light Process Slow Dim Low Soft

Challenge

Try to use 'dheema' in three different contexts today: one for sound, one for speed, and one for cooking.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'स्तभ्' (stambh) or more directly from Middle Indo-Aryan roots related to 'slow' or 'fixed'.

Original meaning: To be steady, slow, or fixed in motion.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Calling a person 'Dheema' can sometimes be an insult implying they are unintelligent or lazy, so use it carefully when describing people.

English speakers often use 'slow' for speed and 'quiet' for sound. Hindi uses 'Dheema' for both, which can be a point of confusion initially.

The song 'Dheeme Dheeme' from the movie Pati Patni Aur Woh. The concept of 'Mand-Mand Muskurana' in classical literature. Traffic signs across India: 'Gati Dheemi Rakhein'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Driving

गाड़ी धीमी करो
गति धीमी रखें
धीमे चलिए
ट्रैफ़िक धीमा है

Music/TV

आवाज़ धीमी करो
धीमा संगीत
वॉल्यूम धीमा
आवाज़ बहुत धीमी है

Cooking

धीमी आँच पर
गैस धीमी करो
धीमी आँच पर पकाएं
लौ धीमी रखें

Weather

धीमी बारिश
धीमी हवा
धीमी धूप
मौसम धीमा है

Work/Tech

इंटरनेट धीमा है
काम धीमा है
प्रगति धीमी है
धीमा प्रोसेसर

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको धीमा संगीत पसंद है या तेज़?"

"आज इंटरनेट इतना धीमा क्यों चल रहा है?"

"क्या हम इस खाने को धीमी आँच पर पका सकते हैं?"

"क्या आप कृपया थोड़ा धीमे बोल सकते हैं?"

"शहर का ट्रैफ़िक आज बहुत धीमा है, है ना?"

Journal Prompts

आज आपके जीवन में क्या चीज़ बहुत धीमी रही? विस्तार से लिखें।

धीमी आँच पर पका हुआ आपका पसंदीदा खाना कौन सा है और क्यों?

क्या आपको लगता है कि आधुनिक दुनिया बहुत तेज़ है? 'धीमा जीवन' के बारे में अपने विचार लिखें।

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपको किसी को 'धीमे चलने' के लिए कहना पड़ा।

धीमी बारिश में आपको क्या करना पसंद है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but be careful. Calling someone 'धीमा' can mean they are slow-witted or lazy. It is better to use it for their actions, like 'उसकी चाल धीमी है' (His gait is slow).

The feminine form is 'धीमी' (Dheemi). You use it with feminine nouns like 'आवाज़' (voice), 'गति' (speed), and 'आँच' (flame).

No. For 'late', use 'देर' (der). 'ट्रेन धीमी है' means the train is moving slowly, not that it is late.

You can say 'टीवी की आवाज़ धीमी करो' or simply 'टीवी धीमा करो'.

It means 'low flame' on a stove. It is a very common instruction in Indian cooking.

Technically, 'धीमे' or 'धीरे' are the adverbs. However, in casual speech, people sometimes use 'धीमा' as an adverb.

The most common opposite is 'तेज़' (Tez), which means fast, loud, or sharp.

Yes, 'धीमी रोशनी' means dim or faint light.

You say 'इंटरनेट धीमा है' (The internet is slow).

Yes, it is one of the most frequently used adjectives in Hindi.