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B2 adjective 10 min read

迟缓

chi huan
Examples 迟缓 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 迟缓 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you usually learn the word '慢' (màn) for 'slow'. '迟缓' (chíhuǎn) is much more advanced and not typically used by beginners. However, you can think of it as a 'super-slow' or 'difficult-slow'. In A1, you focus on simple things like 'The bus is slow'. You don't need to use '迟缓' yet, but if you see it, just remember it means something is moving very slowly, often because it is old or broken. It's like the difference between saying 'I am slow' and 'My movements are sluggish'. For now, just focus on recognizing the character '迟' (chí), which also appears in '迟到' (chídào - to be late). This will help you later. You won't hear people use this in basic greetings or shopping, so don't worry about using it in your daily conversations yet. Just know it exists as a more formal way to say 'slow'.
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At the A2 level, you start to learn more specific adjectives. '迟缓' is an adjective that you might see in a short story about an old person or a slow animal. You should know that '迟' means late and '缓' means slow. Together, they describe a type of slowness that feels heavy or delayed. For example, if you are describing a turtle, you might use '缓慢' (huǎnmàn), but if the turtle is sick and moving even slower than usual, '迟缓' fits better. At this level, you should try to recognize the word in reading passages. You might see it in a sentence like '他走路很迟缓' (He walks very sluggishly). It is more formal than '慢'. You can use it to describe someone who is very tired. Remember, it's not for being late to a party; it's for the speed of the action itself. Keep it in your 'formal vocabulary' box.
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At the B1 level, you are moving into intermediate territory and should begin to distinguish between different types of 'slow'. '迟缓' is used when there is a sense of inefficiency or a lack of vitality. You will start to see it in news snippets or more descriptive literature. For instance, you might encounter '经济增长迟缓' (sluggish economic growth) in a simple news report. You should be able to use '迟缓' to describe physical actions that are not as fast as they should be. It is a great word to use in writing tasks to show you have a wider range of vocabulary than just the word '慢'. Try to pair it with '动作' (movements) or '反应' (reactions). If you are describing a character in a role-play who is feeling unwell, using '迟缓' instead of '慢' will make your Chinese sound much more natural and precise. It shows you understand the nuance of 'sluggishness'.
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At the B2 level, '迟缓' is a word you should be able to use confidently. You are expected to understand its formal tone and specific collocations. You should know that it is often used in medical, economic, and formal descriptive contexts. For example, you should be able to discuss '反应迟缓' (slow reactions) in the context of health or '进展迟缓' (sluggish progress) in the context of a project. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish '迟缓' from '迟钝' (mentally slow) and '延迟' (delayed in time). You might use it in an essay to describe the '迟缓的行政效率' (sluggish administrative efficiency) of a government department. It is an essential word for reaching a professional level of Chinese. You should also be comfortable using it with degree adverbs like '变得' (become) or '显得' (appear), such as '他的反应显得有些迟缓' (His reaction appeared a bit sluggish).
At the C1 level, you should master the stylistic nuances of '迟缓'. You should be able to use it to create specific atmospheres in creative writing or to provide precise descriptions in professional reports. You should understand how '迟缓' differs from technical terms like '滞后' (lagging) and how it can be used metaphorically. For example, you might describe a '迟缓的时代' (a sluggish era) to imply a period of lack of innovation or progress. You should also be aware of its use in psychological and medical terminology, such as '思维迟缓' (retardation of thought). At this level, your use of the word should be flawless, and you should be able to explain the nuance to lower-level students. You should also recognize it in classical-influenced modern prose where it might be used to describe the flow of a river or the changing of seasons, adding a sense of weight and gravity to the text.
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At the C2 level, '迟缓' is a tool for precision and rhetorical effect. You can use it in high-level academic discourse, legal documents, or sophisticated literature. You understand its etymological roots and its relationship with other complex terms. You might use it to critique a philosophical argument as being 'logic-delayed' or to describe the '迟缓' nature of evolutionary change over millions of years. In this stage, you are not just using the word correctly; you are using it to convey subtle shades of meaning—perhaps implying that a slowness is systemic, inherent, or even majestic. You can use it in a variety of registers, from a cold, clinical medical report to a warm, evocative piece of literary fiction. Your mastery includes knowing when *not* to use it to avoid sounding overly pedantic in casual settings, while using it perfectly to command authority in formal ones.
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Examples

迟缓 in 30 Seconds

  • 迟缓 (chíhuǎn) is a formal adjective meaning slow, sluggish, or delayed in action or response.
  • It is commonly used in medical, economic, and formal contexts to describe inefficiency or lack of speed.
  • Unlike the simple '慢', it often implies a negative or abnormal state of slowness.
  • Key collocations include '反应迟缓' (slow reaction) and '经济增长迟缓' (sluggish economic growth).

The Chinese word 迟缓 (chíhuǎn) is a formal adjective that describes a state of being slow, sluggish, or delayed. Unlike the more common word for 'slow' (慢 - màn), 迟缓 carries a specific nuance of inefficiency, lack of agility, or a delay in response. It is frequently used in medical, economic, and formal descriptive contexts to indicate that something is not moving at its expected or optimal speed. When you use this word, you are often highlighting a deficiency in speed rather than just a leisurely pace.

Physical Movement
Describes elderly people, the sick, or animals that are not moving quickly due to age or fatigue. It focuses on the heaviness or lack of coordination in their steps.
Mental/Biological Reaction
Used to describe a person's slow reaction to stimuli, such as a delayed response to a question or a slow reflex in sports.
Economic/Systemic Progress
Applied to economic growth, infrastructure development, or bureaucratic processes that are lagging behind schedule.

由于长期生病，他的动作变得非常迟缓。 (Due to long-term illness, his movements have become very sluggish.)

To understand 迟缓, consider the two characters: 迟 (chí) means 'late' or 'delayed', and 缓 (huǎn) means 'slow' or 'relaxed'. Combined, they create a picture of something that is not just slow in velocity, but 'late' in its execution. For example, if a computer is taking a long time to open a program, its response is 迟缓. If an athlete has a slow start out of the blocks, their reaction is 迟缓. It is a word that carries a slightly critical or clinical tone, suggesting that the slowness might be a problem or a symptom of an underlying issue.

最近全球经济增长迟缓，引起了专家的担忧。 (Recent global economic growth has been sluggish, causing concern among experts.)

In literature, 迟缓 can be used to set a mood. A '迟缓的午后' (sluggish afternoon) suggests a heavy, stagnant atmosphere where time seems to drag. In a medical context, doctors might note a patient's '反应迟缓' (slow reaction) to check for neurological issues. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between the physical and the abstract, always pointing toward a lack of the desired momentum.

Synonym Comparison
Compared to 缓慢 (huǎnmàn), which simply means 'slow pace', 迟缓 (chíhuǎn) emphasizes the 'delay' or 'lag'. 缓慢 is neutral; 迟缓 often implies a negative or abnormal state.

老人的脚步迟缓，每走一步都要停下来喘气。 (The old man's steps were slow and heavy, needing to stop for breath with every step.)

Finally, the word is often used in the context of '迟缓儿' (developmentally delayed child) in developmental psychology, though more modern terms are now preferred. This highlights the word's deep connection to the idea of 'not meeting the expected timeline of progress'. Whether you are talking about a sluggish market, a slow-moving animal, or a delayed response, 迟缓 provides a precise way to describe the lack of speed.

Using 迟缓 correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective and occasionally as an adverb. It typically modifies nouns related to action, response, or progress. It is most at home in written Chinese or formal speech, appearing less frequently in everyday slang or casual banter.

As a Predicate Adjective
You can use it directly after a subject + 很 (hěn) or 非常 (fēicháng). For example: '他的反应很迟缓' (His reaction is very sluggish).
As an Attributive Modifier
Use '迟缓的' before a noun. For example: '迟缓的动作' (sluggish movements) or '迟缓的节奏' (a slow/sluggish rhythm).

这种药物可能会导致患者反应迟缓，请勿开车。 (This medication may cause slow reactions in patients; please do not drive.)

In professional settings, particularly in business reports, 迟缓 is the go-to word for describing negative trends in speed. If production is not meeting targets, you might say '生产进度迟缓' (production progress is sluggish). If a company is slow to adapt to new technology, you could describe their '转型迟缓' (sluggish transformation). It sounds more professional than simply saying '慢' (màn).

由于技术问题，该项目的进展非常迟缓。 (Due to technical issues, the progress of this project is very sluggish.)

When describing physical health, 迟缓 is often paired with specific body parts or functions. '行动迟缓' (sluggish movement) is a common phrase to describe someone who is physically impaired. '思维迟缓' (sluggish thinking) is used in psychology to describe a symptom of depression or other cognitive conditions. These collocations are fixed and very common in formal writing.

Sentence Structure Tip
[Subject] + [Verb/Noun] + [Degree Adverb] + 迟缓. Example: 这项政策的实施效果非常迟缓 (The implementation effect of this policy is very slow/sluggish).

河水流速迟缓，水面上漂浮着厚厚的落叶。 (The river flow was sluggish, with thick fallen leaves floating on the surface.)

Finally, remember that 迟缓 can also describe abstract things like 'development' or 'evolution'. In a history textbook, you might read about '社会发展迟缓的时期' (a period of sluggish social development). In biology, it could describe '进化过程迟缓' (a slow evolutionary process). Its formal nature makes it perfect for these academic or high-level discussions.

You are most likely to encounter 迟缓 in formal environments rather than at a dinner table with friends. It is a staple of news broadcasts, medical reports, academic papers, and literature. Understanding where it appears helps you gauge the level of formality you should aim for when using it.

In News and Economics
News anchors often use this word when reporting on the economy. You'll hear phrases like '经济增长迟缓' (sluggish economic growth) or '市场反应迟缓' (sluggish market response). It conveys a sense of professional analysis.
In Hospitals and Clinics
Doctors use it to describe symptoms. If a patient takes too long to respond to a physical test, the doctor will record it as '反应迟缓'. It is a neutral, clinical term in this context.

新闻报道称，由于劳动力短缺，灾后重建工作进展迟缓。 (News reports state that due to labor shortages, post-disaster reconstruction work is progressing sluggishly.)

In literature and formal essays, authors use 迟缓 to describe a character's state of mind or the passing of time. A character who is depressed or tired might move with '迟缓的步履' (sluggish steps). A story set in a sleepy, unchanging village might describe the '迟缓的生活节奏' (sluggish pace of life). It adds a layer of descriptive depth that the simple word '慢' lacks.

医生注意到，病人在手术后的意识恢复比较迟缓。 (The doctor noticed that the patient's recovery of consciousness after surgery was relatively sluggish.)

In the workplace, you might hear a manager use it in a performance review or a project update. '我们的反馈速度有些迟缓' (Our feedback speed is a bit sluggish) is a polite but firm way to say that the team needs to speed up. It is more sophisticated and less accusatory than saying '你们太慢了' (You guys are too slow).

In Sports Commentary
Commentators might say a player's '动作迟缓' (movements are sluggish) if they are tired in the second half of a game. It suggests the player is losing their competitive edge.

这场比赛中，客队的防守反应显得非常迟缓。 (In this game, the away team's defensive reactions appeared very sluggish.)

In summary, 迟缓 is a word for 'the thinking person'. It appears in contexts where speed is being measured, analyzed, or critiqued. Whether you're reading a financial broadsheet or a psychological profile, 迟缓 is the word that describes the lag between expectation and reality.

While 迟缓 is a useful word, English speakers often misuse it by treating it as a direct substitute for 'slow' (慢) or 'late' (迟到). Understanding the boundaries of this word will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Being Late'
You cannot use 迟缓 to say 'I am late for class'. For that, you must use 迟到 (chídào). 迟缓 describes the *speed* of an action, not the *time* of arrival.
Mistake 2: Overusing in Casual Speech
Saying '这辆车开得很迟缓' (This car is driving very sluggishly) sounds strange if you just mean the car is slow. Use '慢' instead. 迟缓 implies a lack of vitality or a delay in the mechanism.

Incorrect: 我今天上课迟缓了。 (Wrong use for 'late')
Correct: 我今天上课迟到了。

Another common error is using 迟缓 to describe personality traits. While you can say someone's '反应迟缓' (reactions are slow), you wouldn't usually say '他是一个迟缓的人' to mean he is a lazy or slow person. A better word for a slow-witted person is '迟钝' (chídùn). 迟缓 is more about the physical or systemic manifestation of slowness.

Incorrect: 这里的网络非常迟缓。 (Awkward)
Correct: 这里的网络非常慢 / 延迟很高。

In writing, learners sometimes forget the '的' when using it as an adjective. While '动作迟缓' is a correct subject-predicate structure, if you are describing a noun, you need the particle: '迟缓的动作'. Also, avoid using it with words that already imply slowness, like '慢速迟缓', which is redundant.

Redundancy Check
Don't say '缓慢迟缓'. Choose one. 缓慢 focuses on the pace; 迟缓 focuses on the delay or lag.

Mistake: 他走路的速度很迟缓。 (A bit redundant, '走路迟缓' is better.)

Finally, be careful with the context of 'economic slowness'. In English, we say 'sluggish economy', and in Chinese, '经济增长迟缓' is perfect. However, if you want to say the economy is 'stagnant', the word '停滞' (tíngzhì) is more accurate. 迟缓 means it's still moving, just not fast enough.

To truly master 迟缓, you must see how it fits into the family of 'slow' words in Chinese. Each has a specific flavor and use case. Choosing the right one will make your Chinese sound precise and sophisticated.

缓慢 (Huǎnmàn)
This is the most neutral word for 'slow'. It describes a steady, low-speed pace. Unlike 迟缓, it doesn't necessarily imply a negative delay. Example: 蜗牛爬行得很缓慢 (Snails crawl very slowly).
迟钝 (Chídùn)
This refers to mental slowness or bluntness of senses. If someone doesn't get a joke or is slow to understand a concept, they are 迟钝. 迟缓 is about the *action* being slow; 迟钝 is about the *mind* being slow.
延迟 (Yánchí)
This means 'delay' or 'postpone'. It's a verb or noun. If a flight is late, it is 延迟. 迟缓 describes the quality of a slow process, while 延迟 describes the fact that the start or end time has been pushed back.

虽然他的动作迟缓，但他的思维一点也不迟钝。 (Although his movements are sluggish, his mind is not slow at all.)

Another alternative is 拖延 (tuōyán), which means 'to procrastinate'. If you are intentionally being slow to avoid doing something, you are 拖延. 迟缓 is usually unintentional—it's a state of being, not a choice of behavior. For example, a bureaucratic system might be 迟缓 because it's poorly designed, not necessarily because the employees are trying to 拖延.

随着年龄的增长，人的新陈代谢会变得迟缓。 (As one ages, the human metabolism becomes sluggish.)

In formal documents, you might also see 滞后 (zhìhòu), which means 'to lag behind'. This is common in technical or economic contexts. If a result appears much later than its cause, it is 滞后. 迟缓 describes the *process* of moving slowly, while 滞后 describes the *position* of being behind. For example, '政策的效果往往具有滞后性' (The effects of policy often have a lag).

Antonym: 敏捷 (Mǐnjié)
Meaning 'agile' or 'quick'. This is the perfect opposite of 迟缓. While a 迟缓 person moves with difficulty, a 敏捷 person moves with ease and speed.

猫的动作非常敏捷，而乌龟的动作则相对迟缓。 (A cat's movements are very agile, while a turtle's movements are relatively sluggish.)

Understanding these distinctions allows you to paint a clearer picture. Don't just settle for 'slow'. Ask yourself: Is it slow because it's steady (缓慢)? Is it slow because it's behind (滞后)? Or is it slow because it's struggling and inefficient (迟缓)?

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Examples by Level

1

他走路很迟缓。

He walks very sluggishly.

Subject + Verb + Adverb (很) + Adjective (迟缓).

2

乌龟的动作迟缓。

The turtle's movements are slow.

Possessive (的) + Noun + Adjective.

3

老人反应迟缓。

The old man is slow to react.

Noun + Noun + Adjective.

4

水流很迟缓。

The water flow is very sluggish.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

5

这里的进展迟缓。

Progress here is slow.

Locative (这里) + 进展 + Adjective.

6

他的手脚迟缓。

His limbs are sluggish.

Subject (Body parts) + Adjective.

7

大象走路迟缓。

The elephant walks slowly.

Animal + Verb + Adjective.

8

那个动作很迟缓。

That movement is very sluggish.

Demonstrative (那个) + Noun + 很 + Adjective.

1

生病后，他的动作变得迟缓。

After getting sick, his movements became sluggish.

Time phrase + 变得 (become) + Adjective.

2

电脑运行速度非常迟缓。

The computer's running speed is very sluggish.

Compound Noun + 非常 + Adjective.

3

由于疲劳，他的反应迟缓了。

Due to fatigue, his reactions have slowed down.

Cause (由于) + Noun + Adjective + 了.

4

蜗牛的爬行非常迟缓。

The snail's crawling is very slow.

Noun + 的 + Noun + Adjective.

5

老机器的转动很迟缓。

The old machine's rotation is very sluggish.

Adjective + Noun + 的 + Noun + Adjective.

6

这种药让他感觉动作迟缓。

This medicine makes him feel sluggish.

Subject + 让 (make) + Object + Verb + Adjective.

7

冬天的河流流动迟缓。

The winter river flows sluggishly.

Time (冬天) + 的 + Noun + Verb + Adjective.

8

他的回答显得有些迟缓。

His answer seemed a bit slow.

Subject + 显得 (appear) + 有些 (a bit) + Adjective.

1

经济增长迟缓是一个全球性问题。

Sluggish economic growth is a global problem.

Noun Phrase (Subject) + 是 + Noun Phrase (Object).

2

由于缺乏资金，项目进展迟缓。

Due to a lack of funds, project progress is sluggish.

Reason (由于) + 进展 + Adjective.

3

他在寒冷的天气里动作迟缓。

His movements were sluggish in the cold weather.

Prepositional phrase (在...里) + 动作 + Adjective.

4

这种动物在陆地上行动迟缓。

This animal moves sluggishly on land.

Subject + 在陆地上 + 行动 + 迟缓.

5

政府的反应被批评为过于迟缓。

The government's response was criticized as being too sluggish.

Passive (被批评为) + 过于 + Adjective.

6

长期不运动会使人反应迟缓。

Long-term lack of exercise can make a person's reactions sluggish.

Subject (Clause) + 使 (make) + Object + Reaction + Adjective.

7

这家公司的转型过程非常迟缓。

The transformation process of this company is very sluggish.

Noun + 的 + Noun + 非常 + Adjective.

8

由于技术限制，发展速度迟缓。

Due to technical limitations, the development speed is sluggish.

Reason (由于) + Noun + Adjective.

1

药物的副作用包括思维迟缓。

Side effects of the drug include sluggish thinking.

Subject + 包括 (include) + Noun Phrase.

2

市场对新政策的反应相对迟缓。

The market's reaction to the new policy was relatively sluggish.

Subject + 相对 (relatively) + Adjective.

3

这种疾病会导致肌肉动作迟缓。

This disease can lead to sluggish muscle movements.

Subject + 导致 (lead to) + Noun Phrase.

4

在官僚制度下，办事效率往往迟缓。

Under a bureaucratic system, efficiency is often sluggish.

Context (在...下) + 效率 + 往往 + Adjective.

5

受灾地区的物资供应依然迟缓。

The supply of materials to the disaster-stricken area is still sluggish.

Noun Phrase + 依然 (still) + Adjective.

6

他的动作虽迟缓，但每一步都很稳。

Although his movements are sluggish, every step is steady.

Conjunction (虽...但...) + Adjective.

7

这种植物生长迟缓，需要耐心等待。

This plant grows slowly and requires patience.

Subject + 生长 + 迟缓.

8

信息传递的迟缓造成了严重的后果。

The sluggishness of information transmission caused serious consequences.

Noun Phrase (with 迟缓 as a noun-like quality) + 造成 (cause).

1

在这部小说中，作者通过迟缓的叙述节奏营造了压抑的氛围。

In this novel, the author creates an oppressive atmosphere through a sluggish narrative pace.

Context + 通过 (through) + Adjective + Noun.

2

人口老龄化导致劳动力市场的反应日益迟缓。

Population aging is leading to an increasingly sluggish response in the labor market.

Subject + 导致 + Noun + 日益 (increasingly) + Adjective.

3

由于缺乏创新，该行业的整体进步显得迟缓。

Due to a lack of innovation, the overall progress of the industry appears sluggish.

Reason + Subject + 显得 + Adjective.

4

他那迟缓的语调暗示了他内心的犹豫不决。

His sluggish tone of voice hinted at his inner indecision.

Possessive + Adjective + Noun + 暗示 (hint).

5

尽管投入了大量资金，但该地区的城市化进程依然迟缓。

Despite large investments, the urbanization process in the region remains sluggish.

Conjunction (尽管...但...) + Subject + 依然 + Adjective.

6

神经系统的损伤使得他的肢体反应极其迟缓。

Damage to the nervous system made his limb reactions extremely sluggish.

Subject + 使得 + Object + Reaction + 极其 + Adjective.

7

在全球化背景下，闭关锁国会导致国家发展迟缓。

In the context of globalization, isolationism leads to sluggish national development.

Context + Subject + 会导致 + 发展 + 迟缓.

8

这种思维方式的迟缓性是其失败的主要原因。

The sluggishness of this way of thinking is the main reason for its failure.

Noun Phrase + 是 + ...原因.

1

官僚机构的迟缓往往是社会变革最大的绊脚石。

The sluggishness of the bureaucracy is often the biggest stumbling block to social change.

Noun Phrase + 是 + ...绊脚石 (stumbling block).

2

他在处理危机时表现出的迟缓反应令人失望。

The sluggish reaction he showed when dealing with the crisis was disappointing.

Noun Phrase (with relative clause) + 令人 (make one) + Adjective.

3

历史的发展有时呈现出一种迟缓而沉重的态势。

The development of history sometimes presents a sluggish and heavy posture.

Subject + 呈现出 (present) + Adjective + 态势 (posture).

4

这种进化上的迟缓保证了物种在稳定环境中的生存。

This evolutionary sluggishness ensures the survival of species in stable environments.

Subject + 保证了 (ensured) + Object.

5

该学说因其逻辑推演的迟缓而备受学术界诟病。

The theory has been widely criticized by the academic community for the sluggishness of its logical deduction.

Subject + 因其 (due to its) + Noun + 而 (and thus) + 备受 (suffer/receive) + 诟病 (criticism).

6

随着夕阳西下，整座城市仿佛陷入了一种迟缓的律动。

As the sun set, the entire city seemed to sink into a sluggish rhythm.

Time Clause + 仿佛 (as if) + 陷入 (sink into) + Noun Phrase.

7

法律程序的迟缓有时会导致正义的缺席。

The sluggishness of legal procedures sometimes leads to the absence of justice.

Subject + 会导致 + Noun Phrase.

8

这种艺术风格追求一种迟缓的、近乎凝固的美感。

This artistic style pursues a sluggish, almost solidified aesthetic.

Subject + 追求 (pursue) + Adjective + 美感 (aesthetic).

Common Collocations

反应迟缓
动作迟缓
经济增长迟缓
进展迟缓
行动迟缓
思维迟缓
发育迟缓
节奏迟缓
步伐迟缓
转型迟缓
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This Word in Other Languages

遅い Japanese
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