Portuguese Phrase
A fila está andando devagar.
Meaning
The sentence states that the queue is progressing at a slow pace. It can be used to comment on any line—at a bank, supermarket, or event—where people are waiting and the movement is noticeably sluggish.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to describe the current speed of a line, especially if you feel the wait is longer than expected. It works in informal conversations and can also be used politely to suggest patience.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Afilaestáandandodevagar.
Definite article (A)
The article 'A' is feminine singular and matches the noun 'fila'.
Noun (fila)
‘Fila’ means ‘line’ or ‘queue’; it is a feminine noun.
Progressive with estar + gerúndio
‘está andando’ uses the verb ‘estar’ + gerund to express an ongoing action, similar to English ‘is moving’.
Gerund (andando)
‘andando’ is the gerund form of ‘andar’ (to walk/go). In Brazil it is commonly used for any kind of movement, even for a queue.
Adverb (devagar)
‘devagar’ means ‘slowly’; it modifies the verb phrase to indicate speed.
🗨In Conversation
A fila está andando devagar.
The line is moving slowly.
É, vamos ter que esperar mais um pouco.
Yeah, we’ll have to wait a little longer.
✕Common Mistakes
A fila é andando devagar.
Use ‘está’ (temporary state) instead of ‘é’ (permanent characteristic).
A fila está andando devagarmente.
‘Devagarmente’ is rarely used in everyday speech; ‘devagar’ is the natural adverb.
O fila está andando devagar.
Remember the article must agree in gender: ‘A fila’, not ‘O fila’.
↔Alternatives
A fila está lenta.
The line is slow.
A fila está progredindo devagar.
The line is progressing slowly.
A fila está se movendo devagar.
The line is moving slowly.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, people often talk about ‘fila’ with a relaxed attitude and use ‘andando’ for any kind of movement, even for a queue. In Portugal, you might hear ‘a fila está a andar devagar’ instead of ‘está andando’. Also, patience is considered a virtue in many Brazilian contexts, so commenting on a slow line is usually done with a friendly tone.