What does "andante" mean in the context of musical tempo?

The term "andante" refers to a moderate tempo in music, indicating a speed that is comparable to a walking pace. In Italian, "andante" translates to "going" or "walking," which suggests a relaxed and steady movement, making it suitable for conveying a warm, lyrical quality in performance. This tempo is generally understood to be slower than allegro but faster than adagio.

The other options suggest different tempos: "very slow" corresponds more closely to terms like "largo" or "grave," while "moderately fast" better aligns with "allegretto." The term “quickly” relates to much faster tempos such as "allegro" or "prestissimo." Therefore, the understanding of "andante" as associated with a slow, walking pace is accurate within the context of musical performance and interpretation.