慢慢

mànmàn
adverb HSK 3 #1,511

Meanings

  1. 1 slowly; gradually
  2. 2 take your time; little by little

Characters

Reduplication of softens the meaning, giving a gentle "take your time" feeling.

Examples

HSK 2
Nǐ huì mànmàn xíguàn de.
You'll gradually get used to it.
HSK 4
Mànmàn lái, bù zháojí.
Take your time, no rush.
HSK 5
Mànmàn zǒu, xiǎoxīn lù huá.
Walk slowly, watch out for the slippery road.

Tips

usage
慢慢 (take it slow / take your time) is one of the most comforting phrases in Chinese. People say it constantly to reassure each other - about learning, work, life decisions, everything.
grammar
慢慢 + verb is the formal adverb pattern, but in speech is often dropped: 慢慢 instead of 慢慢.

Stroke Order

màn