Hitaasti

Hitaasti is a Finnish adverb meaning slowly or at a slow pace. It is used to describe the manner in which an action is performed and typically accompanies a verb.

In Finnish, adverbs of manner are often formed by adding the suffix -sti to the stem of an adjective. Hitaasti derives from the adjective hita- meaning slow, with the -sti suffix producing the adverbial form. The word is common in standard Finnish and appears in both spoken and written language.

Usage notes:

- Hitaasti describes speed rather than sound or volume, which are indicated by other words such as hiljaa (quietly) or kovaa (last). For example: Hän kävelee hitaasti. (He walks slowly.)

- It can be used with degree modifiers, as in lii an hitaasti meaning “too slowly.” For comparative emphasis, Finnish often prefers the form hitaammin (more slowly) rather than a more complex construction with hitaasti.

In context:

- Hitaasti is versatile across registers, from everyday speech to journalism and literature.

- In translations, hitaasti corresponds to English slowly, though nuance may shift with phrasing.

See also:

- Nopea (fast)

- Hiljaa (quietly)

Overall, hitaasti functions as the standard Finnish adverb for slow pace and is a common part of everyday language.