Translation guide
How to express the idea of slowing down in Japanese, covering physical speed, pace of work, economic slowdown, and metaphorical slowing.
To decrease the speed of a vehicle, person, or moving object.
Standard verb for decelerating a vehicle or machine. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
車はカーブの手前で減速した。
The car slowed down before the curve.
Common phrase meaning 'to reduce speed'. Natural in everyday speech.
ここは危ないからスピードを落として。
It's dangerous here, so slow down.
Similar to スピードを落とす but slightly more formal. Used in driving instructions.
速度を落としてください。
Please slow down.
Intransitive, meaning 'to become slow'. Describes the state of slowing down naturally.
坂道で自転車がゆっくりになった。
The bicycle slowed down on the slope.
To do something more slowly, take one's time, or reduce the tempo of an action.
Literally 'drop the pace'. Used for work, exercise, or any ongoing activity.
疲れたからペースを落とそう。
I'm tired, so let's slow down the pace.
Means 'to take it easy' or 'to do something slowly'. Very common in daily conversation.
今日は家でゆっくりする。
I'm going to take it easy at home today.
Implies relaxing and doing things at a leisurely pace, without hurry.
休日はのんびり過ごしたい。
I want to spend my day off relaxing and taking it slow.
Loanword from English, used in business or lifestyle contexts to mean intentionally slowing down.
仕事のスローダウンを心がけている。
I'm trying to slow down at work.
A decrease in economic growth, market activity, or business operations.
Noun meaning 'deceleration' or 'slowdown'. Commonly used in economic reports.
経済の減速が懸念されている。
There are concerns about the economic slowdown.
Katakana term used in business contexts, similar to English 'slowdown'.
A gradual decrease in ability, energy, or function, often due to age.
Verb meaning 'to decline' or 'to weaken', often used for physical or mental faculties.
年をとると体力が衰える。
As you get older, your physical strength declines.
Means 'to become dull' or 'to slow down', used for senses, movements, or wits.
Intransitive phrase meaning 'speed drops', can be used metaphorically for aging or performance.
最近、仕事のスピードが落ちてきた。
Lately, my work speed has been slowing down.
The English phrase 'slow down' can be used in many contexts, but Japanese often uses specific verbs or phrases depending on what is slowing down. Avoid directly translating 'slow' as 遅い (おそい) for most of these meanings.
遅くなる
to become late/slow (not always 'slow down')
Refers to a recession or economic downturn, a more severe slowdown.
景気後退の兆しが見える。
Signs of an economic slowdown are visible.
The market slowdown continues.
My movements have slowed down due to lack of exercise.