‘放慢’ is a compound verb meaning 'to slow down' — literally 'release (fàng) + slow (màn)'. While 放 usually means 'to put' or 'to release', here it functions as an aspectual or intensifying prefix, softening the action and indicating a deliberate reduction in speed. 慢 on its own means 'slow' as an adjective or adverb, but when paired with 放, it forms a transitive verb that typically takes an object like 'speed', 'pace', or 'steps' — though the object is often omitted when context is clear.

This verb is commonly used in daily life: giving instructions ('Please slow down'), describing physical movement ('The car slowed down'), or advising behavior ('Slow down your eating'). It carries a neutral-to-positive connotation, often implying caution, care, or mindfulness — unlike the more abrupt-sounding 减速 (jiǎn sù), which is technical and mechanical. It’s frequently followed by 下来 (xià lái) to emphasize the completion of slowing: 放慢下来.