Powoli

Powoli is a Polish adverb meaning slowly. It is formed from the adjective powolny, which also means slow, and it is commonly used to describe the manner in which an action is carried out. The word is a standard part of everyday Polish.

Pronunciation and form: powoli is typically pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, roughly pɔˈvɔ.li. It can modify verbs directly or appear within phrases that describe tempo, pace, or progression.

Usage and examples: Powoli denotes a gradual pace rather than a quick one. For example, idź powoli means “go slowly,” while rośnie powoli can describe gradual growth. In phrases like powoli, ale pewnie, the word contributes a sense of deliberate progression, translating roughly to “slowly but surely.” It is versatile in both spoken and written Polish and can describe actions, processes, or changes over time.

Relation to other terms: Powoli is related to other tempo-related words such as szybko (quickly) and wolno (slowly in some contexts). It can express tempo, rhythm, and the pace of events, and it is often used in narrative and descriptive passages to create a measured tone.

Geographic or organizational usage: There is no widely recognized geographic location or organization named Powoli; the term is primarily understood as an adverb in standard Polish.

See also: Polish language, adverbs, tempo and manner expressions.