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hinay

hínay with stress marks

slowness in speech/action

noun adjective HI-nay Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Hinay describes a deliberate, unhurried quality in speech or movement. The reduplicated form 'hinay-hinay' (slowly, gently) is far more commonly used in everyday speech — parents say 'hinay-hinay lang' (take it easy / slowly) to children. It carries a gentle, non-urgent connotation.

Examples

Beginner

" Hinay-hinay lang sa paglalakad. "

Natural Translation

Just take it slow when walking.

Literal Translation

Slowly-slowly just in walking.

Intermediate

" May hinay sa kanyang kilos. "

Natural Translation

There is slowness in his/her actions.

Literal Translation

Has slowness in-the his/her action.

Advanced

" Sa hinay ng kanyang pananalita, halatang pinipili niyang mabuti ang bawat salitang lalabas sa kanyang bibig. "

Natural Translation

From the slowness of his speech, it's clear he carefully chooses each word that comes out of his mouth.

Literal Translation

In slowness of his speech, evident chooses he well the each word will-come-out in his mouth.

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