despacio

Despacio is a Spanish adverb meaning slowly or at a slow pace. It describes the manner or tempo of an action and can modify verbs: for example, hablar despacio (to speak slowly) or conducir despacio (to drive slowly). It can also refer to the pace of processes or changes, as in la evolución avanza despacio. The term is widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions, including Spain and Latin America.

In musical or performance contexts, despacio may appear to indicate a slower or more deliberate approach, but formal notation typically uses standard tempo markings such as lento, adagio, or andante. In everyday speech, despacio is a versatile qualifier used to request or describe slower speed, greater caution, or more careful execution.

Usage notes and regional aspects: despacio functions as an invariable adverb and does not change form for gender or number. It is common in instruction, guidance, and dialogue across diverse Spanish varieties. While the root concept is simple—reducing speed—the exact nuance can vary with context, ranging from practical instructions to expressive or stylistic emphasis.

Related terms: despacito is a diminutive form meaning “a little slower” or “very slowly,” and it gained wide recognition from the 2017 international hit of the same name. Despacio and despacito share the same lexical root, but they appear in different linguistic and cultural contexts.