緩 (huǎn) - slow & unhurried

緩Tone 3

huǎn ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

緩 · huǎn

slow;

unhurried;

gradual;

to postpone;

to delay;

relaxed;

lenient.

slowunhurriedgradual

Usage highlights

Slow downGradual progressBuffer zoneSlow motionTo postponeLenient punishment

Synonyms

  • 慢— slow
  • 迟— late; delayed
  • 徐— gradual; gentle

Antonyms

  • 急— urgent; hurried
  • 快— fast; quick
  • 速— rapid; speedy

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please slow down (请缓慢).
  • The train was delayed (火车晚点了).
  • We need a gradual approach (我们需要一个缓进的方法).
  • He spoke in a slow, relaxed tone (他用缓和的语气说话).

Collocations

  • Slow down(缓慢)
  • Gradual progress(缓进)
  • Buffer zone(缓冲区)
  • Slow motion(缓动)
  • To postpone(延缓)
  • Lenient punishment(缓刑)

Idioms

  • As slow as an ox(老牛拉破车 — 缓如牛步)
  • Slow and steady wins the race(以缓制急)
  • Gradual approach to a solution(缓兵之计)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese philosophy, '缓' is sometimes associated with the Daoist value of Wu Wei (non-action) and acting in accordance with nature's pace.
  • The character appears in military strategy terms like 缓兵之计 (delaying tactic), reflecting the tactical value of slowness.
  • In medicine, 缓 is used in terms like 缓释 (slow-release) for medications.

FAQ