减速

• Pinyin: jiǎn sù
• Hanzi breakdown: 减 = 氵 (water) + 咸 — to reduce; 速 = 辶 (movement) + 束 (bundle) — speed

Meaning

To decelerate; to slow down. Reducing speed or the rate of movement or change.

Used literally for vehicles or machinery slowing down, and figuratively for economic growth, development pace, or any process that is slowing. 减速带 refers to speed bumps. Often appears in traffic, economic, and engineering contexts.

Examples

1. 前方施工，请减速慢行，注意安全。 Construction ahead, please slow down and proceed carefully, pay attention to safety.
2. 经济学家预测下半年经济增速将有所减速。 Economists predict that economic growth will decelerate somewhat in the second half of the year.
3. 卫星进入大气层后开始减速，最终安全着陆。 The satellite began to decelerate after entering the atmosphere and eventually landed safely.

Usage Guide

Context: traffic, economics, engineering

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 看到减速带要提前减速。(You should slow down in advance when you see speed bumps.)
• 产业升级过程中经济适度减速是正常现象。(Moderate economic deceleration during industrial upgrading is a normal phenomenon.)

Don't Say

• 说'我想减速工作'来表达想轻松一点 (Don't use 减速 for wanting to relax at work — use 放慢节奏 or 轻松一点; 减速 is more technical)

Origin & History

Composed of 减 (to reduce) + 速 (speed). A straightforward compound meaning to reduce speed.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal