At the A1 level, you only need to know 'surudoi' in its most literal sense: a sharp object. Think of a knife in the kitchen or a pencil. It is a basic descriptive word for things that can cut you. You might use it to warn someone: 'Abunai! Surudoi desu!' (Danger! It's sharp!). At this stage, don't worry about metaphorical meanings like 'sharp mind'. Just focus on physical objects you can see and touch.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'surudoi' to describe physical sensations and basic senses. You might say 'surudoi itami' (a sharp pain) if you stub your toe or get a paper cut. You can also use it to describe animals, like a cat's 'surudoi tsume' (sharp claws). You are beginning to move from just 'knives' to other physical things that have a sharp quality. You might also hear it in simple praise, like 'Surudoi!' when you guess something correctly in a game.
At the B1 level, you should use 'surudoi' to describe people's intellect and comments. This is where the word becomes very useful in conversation. You can describe a 'surudoi shiteki' (a sharp/incisive point) in a discussion. You understand that 'surudoi' isn't just about cutting skin; it's about 'cutting' through a problem. You can also use the adverb 'surudoku' to describe actions, like 'surudoku miru' (to look sharply/intently).
At the B2 level, you can use 'surudoi' in more professional and nuanced contexts. You might talk about a 'surudoi dousatsuryoku' (sharp insight) in a business analysis or a 'surudoi hihan' (sharp criticism) in a political debate. You understand the nuance that 'surudoi' can be slightly aggressive—a 'surudoi me' (sharp eyes) can be scary. You can distinguish between 'surudoi' and more formal synonyms like 'eiri' in reading materials.
At the C1 level, you use 'surudoi' to appreciate literary and abstract nuances. You might encounter it in literature describing the 'surudoi kaori' (sharp/pungent scent) of autumn air or the 'surudoi kankaku' (acute sensitivity) of an artist. You can use it to describe complex social dynamics, such as a 'surudoi tairitsu' (sharp/intense confrontation). Your usage is fluid, moving between physical, mental, and atmospheric descriptions effortlessly.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'surudoi'. You understand its etymological connections and can use it in highly specialized fields like philosophy or advanced aesthetics. You might discuss the 'surudoi kire-aji' (sharpness of the cut) not just of a sword, but of a director's editing style or a poet's choice of words. You recognize 'surudoi' in archaic or highly formal contexts and understand its role in shaping the 'sharp' vs 'dull' dichotomy in Japanese thought.

鋭い في 30 ثانية

  • Surudoi primarily means 'sharp' for physical objects like knives, scissors, or needles that have a fine cutting edge or a piercing point.
  • It is widely used metaphorically to describe 'keen' insight, 'incisive' comments, or 'sharp' intuition in people who are highly perceptive.
  • The word also applies to 'acute' senses (hearing, smell) and 'piercing' sounds or 'stabbing' physical pains.
  • As an i-adjective, it conjugates to surudokunai (neg), surudokatta (past), and surudoku (adv), and its antonym is nibui (dull).

The Japanese adjective 鋭い (surudoi) is a cornerstone of the Japanese language, representing a spectrum of sharpness that begins with the physical and extends into the profound depths of human intellect and perception. At its most basic level, it describes an object with a fine edge or point, such as a kitchen knife or a needle. However, its true utility lies in its metaphorical applications. When applied to the human mind, it signifies a person who is quick-witted, perceptive, or possesses keen insight. It is the difference between simply seeing something and truly perceiving its underlying truth.

Physical Sharpness
Refers to tools, blades, or points that can cut or pierce easily.
Sensory Sharpness
Describes heightened senses, such as a keen sense of smell or acute hearing.
Intellectual Sharpness
Used for people who make incisive comments or have a sharp intuition.

このナイフは非常に鋭いので、注意してください。(This knife is extremely sharp, so please be careful.)

In a social context, being called 'surudoi' is often a high compliment regarding one's intelligence. If you notice a small detail that others missed, someone might say, 'Surudoi desu ne!' (You're sharp!). Conversely, it can also describe a 'sharp' or 'piercing' look in someone's eyes, suggesting intensity or even hostility. The word captures the essence of something that can penetrate—whether that is a physical surface, a complex problem, or a social facade.

彼女は鋭い観察眼を持っている。(She has a keen eye for observation.)

彼の指摘はいつも鋭い。(His points are always incisive.)

鋭い痛みを感じた。(I felt a sharp pain.)

鳥の鋭いくちばし。(A bird's sharp beak.)

Etymological Root
Derived from the concept of 'passing through' or 'penetrating'.
Opposite Concept
The word 'nibui' (dull) is the direct antonym for all senses of surudoi.

Using 鋭い (surudoi) correctly requires understanding its role as an i-adjective. It follows standard conjugation patterns: 'surudokunai' (not sharp), 'surudokatta' (was sharp), and 'surudoku' (sharply). The adverbial form 'surudoku' is particularly common when describing how someone looks at another person or how a sound pierces the air. For example, 'surudoku niramu' means to glare sharply at someone.

彼は私の嘘を鋭く見抜いた。(He sharply saw through my lie.)

When modifying nouns, it directly precedes them. It is frequently paired with abstract nouns like 'shiteki' (point/comment), 'kansatsu' (observation), or 'itami' (pain). In medical contexts, 'surudoi itami' refers to acute, stabbing pain rather than a dull ache (which would be 'nibui itami'). This distinction is vital for clear communication in healthcare settings.

その記者は鋭い質問を投げかけた。(That reporter threw a sharp question.)

In terms of register, 'surudoi' is appropriate for both casual and formal speech. In a business meeting, you might praise a colleague's insight by saying 'Surudoi go-shiteki desu' (That is a sharp point). In a casual setting, you might use it to describe a friend's intuition about a secret. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between literal description and high-level evaluation.

You will encounter 鋭い (surudoi) in a variety of everyday and specialized environments. In the kitchen, it is the standard word for a well-maintained knife. In detective anime or mystery novels, the protagonist is almost always described as having 'surudoi dousatsuryoku' (sharp powers of insight). This is a trope of the genre, where the 'surudoi' character notices the one clue that everyone else overlooked.

In the world of sports, commentators use 'surudoi' to describe a fast, direct movement. A 'surudoi kaabu' (sharp curveball) in baseball or a 'surudoi doro-bu' (sharp drive) in tennis refers to the speed and angle of the ball. It implies a level of skill and precision that is difficult to counter. Similarly, in martial arts, a 'surudoi keri' (sharp kick) suggests a strike that is both fast and focused.

In nature documentaries, you'll hear it describing the anatomy of predators—claws, teeth, and talons. It conveys the danger and efficiency of these biological tools. On the news, it might be used to describe 'surudoi hihan' (sharp criticism) directed at the government or a corporation, indicating that the critique was particularly effective or biting.

One common mistake for learners is confusing 鋭い (surudoi) with 'itai' (painful). While a sharp object causes pain, 'surudoi' describes the nature of the object or the sensation, while 'itai' describes the feeling of the person. You wouldn't say 'this knife is painful' (kono naifu wa itai) unless it is currently hurting you; you say it is 'sharp' (surudoi) as a quality.

Another mistake is using 'surudoi' for general 'smartness'. While 'surudoi' implies intelligence, it is a specific type of intelligence: incisive, quick, and perceptive. For a student who gets good grades through hard work, 'atama ga ii' or 'benkyou ga dekiru' is more appropriate. 'Surudoi' is reserved for those 'Aha!' moments or people who can see through deception.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the difference between 'surudoi' and 'eiri'. 'Eiri' (鋭利) is a more formal, technical term usually restricted to physical blades. You would see 'eiri na hamono' (sharp-edged tool) on a warning sign, but you would never say a person has an 'eiri' mind; that must be 'surudoi'.

Understanding the synonyms of 鋭い (surudoi) helps refine your vocabulary. 鋭利 (eiri) is the most direct synonym for physical sharpness, often used in legal or formal contexts. If a crime involves a 'sharp object', the police report will use 'eiri na mono'.

敏鋭 (bin'ei) is a more literary term for 'keen' or 'acute', often used for senses or nerves. It sounds more sophisticated and is found in high-level literature. 鋭角 (eikaku) specifically refers to an 'acute angle' in geometry, showing the mathematical side of the kanji 鋭.

When describing a person's wit, 機敏 (kibin) (quick/agile) or 聡明 (soumei) (wise/bright) are alternatives, but they lack the 'cutting' edge of 'surudoi'. 'Surudoi' implies a certain intensity that these other words do not. Finally, 研ぎ澄まされた (togisumasareta) means 'honed' or 'sharpened to perfection', used for both physical blades and highly trained skills or senses.

How Formal Is It?

مستوى الصعوبة

قواعد يجب معرفتها

i-adjective + noun modification

Adverbial form (ku) + verb

~sou (looks like) with i-adjectives: surudosou

~sugiru (too much): surudosugiru

~kute (and/reason) for connecting adjectives

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

このはさみは鋭いです。

These scissors are sharp.

Simple A is B sentence structure.

2

鋭いナイフを使います。

I use a sharp knife.

Adjective modifying a noun.

3

それは鋭いですか?

Is that sharp?

Question form.

4

鋭い鉛筆があります。

There is a sharp pencil.

Describing an object's state.

5

鋭いので、触らないでください。

It's sharp, so please don't touch it.

Using 'node' for reason.

6

この角は鋭いです。

This corner is sharp.

Describing physical shape.

7

鋭い道具は危ないです。

Sharp tools are dangerous.

General statement.

8

もっと鋭いナイフが欲しいです。

I want a sharper knife.

Using 'motto' for comparison.

1

猫の爪はとても鋭いです。

Cat's claws are very sharp.

Possessive 'no' + adjective.

2

急に鋭い痛みを感じました。

I suddenly felt a sharp pain.

Describing a physical sensation.

3

彼の目は鋭いです。

His eyes are sharp.

Describing physical appearance with personality nuance.

4

鋭い声が聞こえました。

I heard a sharp/piercing voice.

Describing sound quality.

5

この鳥は鋭いくちばしを持っています。

This bird has a sharp beak.

Using 'motte iru' for features.

6

針の先は鋭いので注意して。

The tip of the needle is sharp, so be careful.

Casual imperative/warning.

7

鋭い岩がたくさんあります。

There are many sharp rocks.

Describing natural environment.

8

昨日のテスト、鋭い質問があったね。

There was a sharp question on yesterday's test, wasn't there?

Informal 'ne' particle.

1

君の指摘はいつも鋭いね。

Your points are always sharp/incisive, aren't they?

Abstract usage for intelligence.

2

彼は鋭い観察眼を持っている。

He has a keen eye for observation.

Standard phrase for perception.

3

彼女は私の変化に鋭く気づいた。

She sharply/quickly noticed my change.

Adverbial form 'surudoku'.

4

鋭い批判にさらされた。

It was exposed to sharp criticism.

Passive voice with abstract noun.

5

冬の鋭い風が吹いている。

A sharp winter wind is blowing.

Metaphorical use for weather.

6

その記者は鋭い質問を投げた。

That reporter threw a sharp question.

Common collocation with 'shitsumon'.

7

鋭い勘で犯人を見つけた。

He found the criminal with sharp intuition.

Using 'kan' (intuition).

8

このナイフはあまり鋭くない。

This knife is not very sharp.

Negative form 'surudokunai'.

1

彼の鋭い言葉に傷ついた。

I was hurt by his sharp words.

Describing emotional impact.

2

鋭い感性を持つアーティスト。

An artist with sharp/refined sensitivity.

Describing artistic talent.

3

市場の動向を鋭く分析する。

To sharply analyze market trends.

Professional/Academic context.

4

その指摘は、問題の本質を鋭く突いている。

That point sharply hits the essence of the problem.

Idiomatic expression for insight.

5

鋭い対立が続いている。

A sharp/intense confrontation continues.

Describing social/political conflict.

6

彼は鋭い表情で私を見た。

He looked at me with a sharp expression.

Describing facial expressions.

7

鋭い知性を持つリーダーが必要だ。

We need a leader with sharp intelligence.

Describing leadership qualities.

8

空気の中に鋭い緊張感が漂った。

A sharp sense of tension hung in the air.

Describing atmosphere.

1

作者の鋭い人間観察が光る作品だ。

It's a work where the author's sharp observation of human nature shines.

Literary critique style.

2

研ぎ澄まされた鋭い感覚が求められる。

A honed, sharp sense is required.

Combining with 'togisumasareta'.

3

彼の言葉には鋭いトゲがある。

There are sharp thorns in his words.

Metaphorical 'thorns' for sarcasm.

4

沈黙を切り裂くような鋭い叫び声。

A sharp scream that seemed to tear through the silence.

Highly descriptive/literary.

5

鋭い筆致で描かれた肖像画。

A portrait drawn with sharp/bold brushstrokes.

Artistic terminology.

6

社会の矛盾を鋭くえぐる論文。

A thesis that sharply gouges out the contradictions of society.

Strong verb 'eguru' + adverb.

7

鋭い皮肉を込めて挨拶した。

Greeted with sharp irony/sarcasm.

Describing tone of voice.

8

時代の変化を鋭く察知する能力。

The ability to sharply sense the changes of the times.

Abstract sensing.

1

真理を鋭く穿つ一言に、座は静まり返った。

The room fell silent at a single word that sharply pierced the truth.

Archaic/Formal verb 'ugatsu'.

2

彼の批評は、時に残酷なほど鋭い。

His criticism is sometimes cruelly sharp.

Nuanced emotional description.

3

鋭い美意識に裏打ちされたデザイン。

Design backed by a sharp aesthetic sense.

Advanced compound structure.

4

冬の朝の、肌を刺すような鋭い冷気。

The sharp, skin-piercing cold of a winter morning.

Sensory metaphor.

5

その論理は鋭利な刃物のように緻密だ。

That logic is as precise and dense as a sharp blade.

Simile comparing logic to a blade.

6

鋭い洞察の果てに辿り着いた結論。

The conclusion reached at the end of sharp insight.

Abstract journey metaphor.

7

歴史の転換点を鋭く見極める。

To sharply discern the turning point of history.

High-level historical analysis.

8

万象を鋭く見通す眼力。

The power of sight to sharply see through all things in the universe.

Philosophical/Grand scale.

تلازمات شائعة

鋭いナイフ (sharp knife)
鋭い指摘 (sharp point/comment)
鋭い観察眼 (keen eye for observation)
鋭い痛み (sharp pain)
鋭い質問 (sharp question)
鋭い勘 (sharp intuition)
鋭い目つき (sharp look in the eyes)
鋭い批判 (sharp criticism)
鋭い音 (sharp/piercing sound)
鋭い感覚 (sharp sense)

يُخلط عادةً مع

鋭い vs 痛い (itai)

Itai is the feeling of pain; surudoi is the quality of the object causing it or the type of pain.

鋭い vs 賢い (kashikoi)

Kashikoi is general wisdom/smartness; surudoi is specifically incisive/perceptive.

鋭い vs 速い (hayai)

Sometimes confused in sports; surudoi is the 'sharpness' of the move, hayai is the speed.

سهل الخلط

鋭い vs

鋭い vs

鋭い vs

鋭い vs

鋭い vs

أنماط الجُمل

كيفية الاستخدام

mental

Used for quick, incisive thinking.

sensory

Used for acute hearing, smell, or sight.

auditory

Used for high, piercing sounds.

physical

Used for anything that can cut or pierce.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Using 'surudoi' to mean 'smart' in a general, hardworking sense.
  • Saying 'kono naifu wa itai' (this knife is painful) instead of 'surudoi'.
  • Confusing 'surudoi' (sharp) with 'eiri' (sharp-edged) in casual conversation.
  • Forgetting to change the 'i' to 'ku' when using it as an adverb.
  • Using 'surudoi' for a 'sharp' turn in a road (usually 'kyuu-kaabu' is used).

نصائح

Physical Safety

Always use 'surudoi' when warning someone about a blade. It is the most natural word for physical sharpness. It alerts the listener to the danger of being cut.

Praising Insight

Use 'surudoi!' as a one-word reaction to a good point. It makes you sound like a native speaker who appreciates cleverness. It's a great way to build rapport in discussions.

Describing Pain

If you go to a Japanese doctor, use 'surudoi itami' for stabbing pain. This helps the doctor distinguish it from 'nibui itami' (dull ache). It's a critical distinction for a correct diagnosis.

Antonym Pairing

Learn 'surudoi' and 'nibui' together as a pair. They are opposites in almost every context (physical, mental, sensory). This helps solidify the meaning of both words in your mind.

Kanji Recognition

The kanji 鋭 has the 'metal' radical on the left. This is a great hint that its original meaning is related to metal tools. Associate the metal radical with the sharpness of a sword.

Eye Contact

Be careful describing someone's eyes as 'surudoi' to their face. It can imply they look angry or suspicious. Use it more as a third-person description of an intense person.

Adverbial Power

Master the form 'surudoku'. It's very powerful for describing how people act—'surudoku tsuikyuu suru' (to sharply cross-examine). It adds a layer of intensity to your verbs.

Creative Writing

Use 'surudoi' to describe the winter air or a cold wind. It evokes a sensory feeling of the cold 'cutting' the skin. It's a common literary device in Japanese prose.

Anime Cues

In detective anime, listen for 'surudoi dousatsuryoku'. It's a key phrase for the 'genius' character. Recognizing this will help you follow the character tropes better.

Conjugation Check

Remember that the 'i' drops when adding 'kunai' or 'katta'. Surudoi -> Surudokunai. This is a basic rule, but easy to forget when you're focused on the meaning.

احفظها

أصل الكلمة

Old Japanese 'suru' (to rub/grind) + 'to' (sharpness/edge).

السياق الثقافي

Calling someone 'surudoi' is 90% a compliment in Japan, but can imply they are hard to hide things from.

Sharpness is a key element in Japanese culinary arts (sashimi cutting).

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

بدايات محادثة

"そのナイフ、すごく鋭そうですね。 (That knife looks very sharp.)"

"どうしてそんなに勘が鋭いんですか? (Why is your intuition so sharp?)"

"今の指摘、鋭いと思いませんか? (Don't you think that point just made was sharp?)"

"鋭い痛みがあるときは、すぐに病院に行ってください。 (When you have sharp pain, please go to the hospital immediately.)"

"彼の目はいつも鋭いですよね。 (His eyes are always sharp, aren't they?)"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

今日、誰かの鋭い指摘に驚いたことはありますか? (Did someone's sharp point surprise you today?)

自分が「鋭い」と感じる瞬間はどんな時ですか? (When do you feel 'sharp'?)

鋭い言葉で誰かを傷つけてしまったことはありますか? (Have you ever hurt someone with sharp words?)

鋭い感覚を持つために、何を練習したいですか? (What do you want to practice to have sharper senses?)

最近、鋭い痛みを感じたエピソードを書いてください。 (Write about a recent episode where you felt sharp pain.)

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes, but it implies they are 'sharp' and notice things others don't, rather than just getting high grades. It's a specific type of 'smart'. It suggests a quick and penetrating mind.

Usually, yes, regarding intellect. However, if you say someone has 'surudoi me' (sharp eyes), it can mean they look aggressive or intimidating. Context determines if the 'sharpness' is positive or scary.

'Surudoi' is a general i-adjective used for physical, mental, and sensory things. 'Eiri' is a formal na-adjective (or noun) used almost exclusively for physical blades. You wouldn't say someone has an 'eiri' mind.

Yes, it describes high-pitched, piercing sounds that 'cut' through the air. For example, a whistle or a high-pitched scream can be 'surudoi'. It is often used for sounds that are slightly unpleasant.

The negative form is 'surudokunai'. If you want to say something is 'dull', the specific word is 'nibui'. 'Surudokunai' is a simple negation, while 'nibui' is the direct opposite quality.

Yes, 'surudoi kaori' refers to a sharp, pungent, or very distinct scent. It's often used for things like citrus, vinegar, or certain spices. It implies the smell is very noticeable and clear.

Absolutely. It is very common to praise a colleague's 'surudoi shiteki' (sharp point). It shows you value their insight and contribution to the discussion. It is a professional way to acknowledge intelligence.

It means 'to have sharp intuition' or 'to be very intuitive'. It is used when someone correctly guesses a secret or predicts something without obvious evidence. It's like having a 'sixth sense'.

Not usually, unless you are talking about a 'sharp' design (aesthetic). You wouldn't use it for the fabric itself. It's more about the 'look' or the 'cut' of the fashion.

It describes movements that are fast, direct, and precise. A 'surudoi kaabu' is a curveball that breaks sharply. A 'surudoi suingu' is a sharp, fast bat swing in baseball.

اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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