Despacio describes an action performed slowly, such as speaking or walking.
The idea
As an adverb, despacio stays the same regardless of the subject’s gender or number.
Examples
- Habla despacio, por favor.Please speak slowly.
- Leo despacio para entender el texto.I read slowly to understand the text.
- El tren avanza despacio.The train moves slowly.
- Caminamos despacio por el parque.We walk slowly through the park.
- Escribe despacio y con claridad.Write slowly and clearly.
- Los niños comen despacio hoy.The children are eating slowly today.
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Watch out
Despacio modifies an action; lento can describe a person or thing as an adjective.
Try it yourself
Choose the word for speaking slowly: Habla ___, por favor. (despacio / deprisa)
Show answer or example answer
despacio
Despacio asks for a slower speaking pace.
Choose the adverb describing how they walk: Las niñas caminan ___. (despacio / despacias)
Show answer or example answer
despacio
The adverb despacio does not agree with niñas.
Choose the opposite of slowly: El tren va despacio, no ___. (deprisa / despacio)
Show answer or example answer
deprisa
Deprisa means quickly and contrasts with despacio.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the word for speaking slowly: Habla ___, por favor. (despacio / deprisa)
Choose the adverb describing how they walk: Las niñas caminan ___. (despacio / despacias)
Choose the opposite of slowly: El tren va despacio, no ___. (deprisa / despacio)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Ask someone to speak slowly and describe an action you do slowly.