缓 (huǎn) - slow & unhurried

缓Tone 3

huǎn ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

缓 · huǎn

slow;

unhurried;

gradual;

to postpone;

to delay;

to relax;

to ease.

slowunhurriedgradual

Usage highlights

slow downrelieve symptomspostpone a deadlineslow and steadybuffer zoneslow motion

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

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

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please slow down (请缓行).
  • The medicine provides relief (缓解).
  • We need to postpone the meeting (缓期).
  • The economic recovery is gradual (缓慢复苏).

Collocations

  • slow down(缓行)
  • relieve symptoms(缓解)
  • postpone a deadline(缓期)
  • slow and steady(缓慢)
  • buffer zone(缓冲地带)
  • slow motion(缓动)

Idioms

  • Take your time and go slowly(缓步徐行)
  • Slow down to go faster(以缓制急)
  • A slow remedy for a desperate illness(缓不济急)
  • Relax the bowstring to ease tension(缓弦弛弓)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese philosophy, '缓' embodies the wisdom of measured action and patience, contrasting with impulsive haste.
  • The character appears in military strategy texts advocating deliberate, unhurried approaches to gain advantage.
  • In medicine, '缓' describes treatments that work gradually to restore balance without harsh intervention.

FAQ