In 15 Seconds
- Indicates rapid, steady progress in a task or movement.
- Used to emphasize that something is not stalling or slow.
- Perfect for professional updates or describing fast-changing trends.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that is moving forward quickly or with significant momentum. It is the opposite of a slow, cautious crawl.
Key Examples
3 of 6Describing a tech startup's growth
A startup está não lentamente avançando no mercado europeu.
The startup is not slowly advancing in the European market.
Talking about a friend's recovery
Ele está se recuperando e não lentamente avançando nos exercícios.
He is recovering and not slowly advancing in his exercises.
Discussing a construction project
A obra da ponte está não lentamente avançando este mês.
The bridge construction is not slowly advancing this month.
Cultural Background
In Brazilian corporate culture, using litotes like 'não lentamente' shows that you are 'polido' (polished) and 'educado' (well-educated). Portuguese speakers value precision. 'Não lentamente' is seen as a precise way to describe progress that isn't quite 'fast' but is definitely 'not slow'. In Angolan media, this phrase is often used to describe infrastructure projects like roads and dams. Used in the context of social development and NGO reports to show steady improvement.
Use in Emails
This is a great phrase for professional emails to show you are on top of your tasks.
Don't use with 'Muito'
Saying 'muito não lentamente' is redundant and sounds strange. Just use the phrase as is.
In 15 Seconds
- Indicates rapid, steady progress in a task or movement.
- Used to emphasize that something is not stalling or slow.
- Perfect for professional updates or describing fast-changing trends.
What It Means
Imagine you are watching a project or a runner. They aren't just 'going.' They are making serious ground. Não lentamente avançando means progress is happening at a brisk pace. It suggests energy and intent. It is the feeling of a car finally hitting the highway after traffic. You use it to highlight that things are moving fast.
How To Use It
Use it as a descriptive phrase for actions. You can apply it to a business deal or a workout. It usually follows a subject like o projeto or a tecnologia. It sounds a bit more descriptive than just saying 'fast.' It emphasizes the steady, forward nature of the movement. Think of it as 'making significant headway.'
When To Use It
You can use this in a professional update. It works well when telling a friend about your new hobby. Use it when you want to sound observant. It fits perfectly in a news report or a documentary script. Use it when the speed of progress is the most important part of the story. It’s great for talking about tech trends or urban development.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for things that are actually slow. If a turtle is moving, this phrase is a lie. Avoid it in very casual slang-heavy hangouts. It might sound a bit too 'written' or formal for a loud bar. Don't use it if there is no movement at all. It requires a sense of direction and purpose.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value progress but often joke about 'Brazilian time.' This phrase cuts through that stereotype. It implies a modern, efficient pace. It reflects the fast-growing tech scenes in cities like São Paulo or Lisbon. It’s a phrase of the 'new' Lusophone world. It sounds like someone who is focused on the future.
Common Variations
You might hear avançando rapidamente for a more common feel. Some might say progredindo a passos largos for more drama. If things are really flying, try voando. But não lentamente avançando has a specific, measured weight to it. It sounds like a deliberate choice of words.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile but leans toward descriptive or professional contexts. It avoids the bluntness of 'rápido' while maintaining a clear sense of urgency.
Use in Emails
This is a great phrase for professional emails to show you are on top of your tasks.
Don't use with 'Muito'
Saying 'muito não lentamente' is redundant and sounds strange. Just use the phrase as is.
The Brazilian 'Ufa!'
Brazilians often follow this phrase with 'Ufa!' (Phew!) if the progress was previously slow.
Examples
6A startup está não lentamente avançando no mercado europeu.
The startup is not slowly advancing in the European market.
Highlights that the company is gaining ground quickly.
Ele está se recuperando e não lentamente avançando nos exercícios.
He is recovering and not slowly advancing in his exercises.
Shows positive, fast physical progress.
A obra da ponte está não lentamente avançando este mês.
The bridge construction is not slowly advancing this month.
Emphasizes that the work is ahead of schedule.
Estou não lentamente avançando na leitura desse livro gigante!
I'm not slowly advancing through this giant book!
A slightly humorous way to say you're reading fast.
O degelo das calotas está não lentamente avançando.
The melting of the ice caps is not slowly advancing.
Used to create a sense of urgency.
Veja o corredor, ele está não lentamente avançando para a liderança!
Look at the runner, he is not slowly advancing toward the lead!
Captures the excitement of a quick overtake.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
A vacinação no estado está ______ ______ avançando.
We need the adverb 'lentamente' to modify the gerund 'avançando'.
Which sentence is the most formal way to say 'The work is going fast'?
Escolha a opção mais formal:
This collocation is the most sophisticated and formal option provided.
Match the Portuguese phrase with its English meaning.
Relacione as colunas:
Matching the core phrase with its literal translation.
Fill in the candidate's response.
Entrevistador: 'Como está seu curso de TI?' Candidato: '________'
This follows the correct word order and gerund form.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA vacinação no estado está ______ ______ avançando.
We need the adverb 'lentamente' to modify the gerund 'avançando'.
Escolha a opção mais formal:
This collocation is the most sophisticated and formal option provided.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching the core phrase with its literal translation.
Entrevistador: 'Como está seu curso de TI?' Candidato: '________'
This follows the correct word order and gerund form.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it is more common in formal writing and news broadcasts than in daily street slang.
Technically yes, but it sounds very poetic or strange. It's better for abstract things like projects or learning.
'Não lentamente' sounds more measured and professional. It's like the difference between 'fast' and 'at a steady clip'.
No hyphen is needed. They are two separate words working together.
Yes! 'O projeto estava não lentamente avançando' is perfectly correct.
No, it just implies that the speed is sufficient and not frustratingly slow.
Absolutely. It uses words you already know in a way that makes you sound more advanced.
The opposite would be 'estagnado' (stagnant) or 'avançando a passos de cágado' (moving at a turtle's pace).
Only if you are being a bit formal or ironic with a friend. Otherwise, use 'tá indo rápido'.
No, you can also say 'não lentamente progredindo' (not slowly progressing).
Related Phrases
A passos largos
synonymWith big steps
De vento em popa
similarGoing very well
A passos de cágado
contrastAt a turtle's pace
Em ritmo acelerado
builds onIn an accelerated rhythm
