速度 en 30 secondes
- Means 'speed' or 'velocity' in Japanese.
- Used for physical movement (cars, wind).
- Used for digital connections (internet, Wi-Fi).
- Used for the pace of abstract processes (growth).
The Japanese word 速度 (sokudo) is a formal and highly common noun used to describe the rate at which someone or something moves, operates, or progresses. It translates directly to 'speed,' 'velocity,' or 'pace.' Understanding this word is essential for navigating daily life in Japan, from reading road signs to discussing internet connections and analyzing business progress. Unlike the more casual word スピード (supiido) or the native Japanese word 速さ (hayasa), 速度 carries a slightly more technical, objective, or formal nuance, making it the preferred choice in written instructions, news reports, and official documents.
- Physical Speed
- Refers to the literal movement of objects, such as cars, trains, or wind.
車の速度を落としてください。(Please reduce the speed of the car.)
Beyond physical movement, 速度 is extensively used in the digital realm. In modern Japanese, one of the most frequent contexts for this word is discussing internet or data transfer rates. Whether you are setting up a new Wi-Fi router or complaining about a lagging video, you will use this term.
- Digital & Connection Rate
- Describes how fast data is transmitted or processed.
インターネットの通信速度が遅いです。(The internet connection speed is slow.)
Furthermore, 速度 can describe the pace of abstract concepts, such as economic growth, learning, or the progression of a disease. This makes it a versatile vocabulary word that scales from beginner daily conversations to advanced academic discourse.
- Process Pace
- The rate at which a process, project, or abstract phenomenon advances.
プロジェクトの進行速度を上げる必要があります。(We need to increase the speed of the project's progress.)
経済の回復速度が予想より早いです。(The speed of economic recovery is faster than expected.)
タイピングの速度を測るテストを受けました。(I took a test to measure my typing speed.)
Using 速度 correctly depends on pairing it with the right verbs and adjectives. Because it is a quantitative noun, it is typically described as being 'fast' (速い - hayai) or 'slow' (遅い - osoi), rather than 'high' or 'low' in everyday conversation, although 'high speed' (高速 - kousoku) is used as a compound noun. Let us explore the most common grammatical patterns and contexts where you will need to use this word.
- Describing Speed
- Use adjectives like 速い (fast) and 遅い (slow).
このパソコンは処理速度が非常に速い。(This computer has a very fast processing speed.)
When you want to talk about changing the speed, you will use verbs like 上げる (ageru - to raise/increase) or 落とす (otosu - to drop/decrease). You can also use 出す (dasu - to put out) to mean 'to gain speed' or 'to go fast.'
- Changing Speed
- Verbs used to manipulate the rate of movement or progress.
カーブでは速度を落としてください。(Please reduce your speed at the curve.)
もっと速度を上げましょう。(Let's increase the speed.)
In compound nouns, 速度 acts as a suffix or prefix to create specific terms. For example, adding 計 (kei - meter) creates 速度計 (sokudokei - speedometer). Adding 制限 (seigen - limit) creates 速度制限 (sokudo seigen - speed limit). Understanding these compounds expands your vocabulary exponentially.
- Compound Nouns
- Combining 速度 with other kanji to specify the type of speed.
光の速度は秒速約30万キロメートルです。(The speed of light is about 300,000 kilometers per second.)
ダウンロード速度をテストする。(Test the download speed.)
The word 速度 is ubiquitous in Japanese society. You will encounter it in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from casual daily interactions to highly technical professional environments. Because Japan has a highly developed transportation infrastructure and is a technologically advanced nation, discussions about speed—whether of bullet trains or broadband networks—are incredibly common.
- Transportation and Driving
- Road signs, GPS navigation, and train announcements.
法定速度を守って運転してください。(Please drive observing the legal speed limit.)
Another major area where you will hear and see this word is in technology and telecommunications. When buying a smartphone, signing up for home internet, or reading tech reviews, the 'communication speed' is a primary selling point.
- Technology and Internet
- Discussions about Wi-Fi, 5G, processors, and data transfer.
このプランは通信速度が安定しています。(This plan has a stable connection speed.)
動画の再生速度を1.5倍にする。(Change the video playback speed to 1.5x.)
In news broadcasts and weather reports, 速度 is used to describe the movement of natural phenomena, such as typhoons, which frequently affect Japan. You will hear meteorologists discussing the speed at which a storm is approaching the archipelago.
- Weather and News
- Typhoon movement, wind speed, and earthquake waves.
台風は自転車並みの速度で進んでいます。(The typhoon is moving at the speed of a bicycle.)
風の速度が急に増した。(The wind speed suddenly increased.)
While 速度 is a straightforward noun, learners often make mistakes regarding its collocations (the words it naturally pairs with) and its nuances compared to similar words. A very common error is translating English adjectives literally when describing speed in Japanese.
- Mistake 1: Using 高い (High) and 低い (Low)
- In English, we say 'high speed' or 'low speed.' In Japanese conversation, using 高い/低い with 速度 sounds unnatural.
❌ 速度が高いです。(Incorrect)
✅ 速度が速いです。(Correct - The speed is fast.)
Another frequent mistake is confusing 速度 with 速さ (hayasa). While both translate to 'speed,' 速さ is the native Japanese word (wago) and feels more subjective, casual, and focused on the quality of being fast. 速度 is a Sino-Japanese word (kango) and feels objective, measurable, and formal.
- Mistake 2: Confusing 速度 and 速さ
- Using the formal 速度 in a very casual, emotional context.
❌ 彼の走る速度にびっくりした！(A bit too formal for casual speech)
✅ 彼の走る速さにびっくりした！(Correct - I was surprised by his running speed!)
✅ インターネットの速度を測定する。(Correct - Measure the internet speed. Objective/Technical.)
Lastly, learners sometimes misuse the verbs associated with changing speed. Instead of saying 'make the speed big,' you must use specific verbs.
- Mistake 3: Wrong Verbs for Speed Control
- Using 大きくする (make big) instead of 上げる (raise) or 出す (put out).
❌ 速度を大きくして。(Incorrect)
✅ 速度を上げて。(Correct - Increase the speed.)
✅ もっと速度を出して。(Correct - Go faster / Put out more speed.)
The Japanese language offers several words to express the concept of speed, pace, and rapidity. Choosing the right synonym depends on the context, the level of formality, and whether you are focusing on the objective measurement or the subjective feeling of speed. Let us compare 速度 with its most common alternatives.
- スピード (Supiido)
- The English loanword for speed. It is highly versatile and used in both casual and business contexts.
仕事のスピードが速い。(The speed of work is fast.)
As mentioned in the Common Mistakes section, 速さ (hayasa) is the direct native Japanese equivalent. It is formed by turning the adjective 速い (fast) into a noun by adding the suffix さ (-sa), which indicates a degree or state.
- 速さ (Hayasa)
- Focuses on the quality or degree of being fast. It is more subjective and conversational.
新幹線の速さに感動した。(I was moved by the speed of the bullet train.)
時の流れる速さを感じる。(I feel the speed at which time flows.)
When discussing the rhythm or rate of a continuous activity, such as walking, running a marathon, or completing a long-term project, the words ペース (peesu - pace) or テンポ (tenpo - tempo) are often more appropriate than 速度.
- ペース (Peesu) & テンポ (Tenpo)
- Used for the rhythm, rate, or step-by-step progression of an ongoing activity.
自分のペースで勉強する。(Study at your own pace.)
会話のテンポが良い。(The tempo of the conversation is good.)
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
Noun + が + Adjective (速度が速い)
Noun + を + Verb (速度を落とす)
Compound Nouns (通信 + 速度 = 通信速度)
Comparisons (AはBより速度が速い)
Nominalization with さ (速さ vs 速度)
Exemples par niveau
車の速度が速いです。
The car's speed is fast.
Noun + が (subject marker) + Adjective (速い).
速度が遅いです。
The speed is slow.
Basic use of adjectives with 速度.
これは速度計です。
This is a speedometer.
Compound noun: 速度 (speed) + 計 (meter).
速度を見てください。
Please look at the speed.
Te-form of 見る (to see) for a polite request.
自転車の速度。
The speed of a bicycle.
Noun + の + Noun to show possession/association.
速度はどれくらいですか？
What is the speed?
どれくらい asks about extent or amount.
風の速度。
Wind speed.
Basic vocabulary combination.
速度がゼロです。
The speed is zero.
Using numbers with 速度.
ここで速度を落としてください。
Please reduce your speed here.
速度を落とす is a set phrase for 'reduce speed'.
速度制限は50キロです。
The speed limit is 50 km/h.
速度制限 (speed limit) is a crucial A2 compound noun.
もう少し速度を上げましょう。
Let's increase the speed a little more.
Volitional form (~ましょう) for suggestions.
安全な速度で運転します。
I drive at a safe speed.
Adjective (安全な) modifying 速度.
新幹線の速度はとても速いです。
The speed of the bullet train is very fast.
Using とても (very) to emphasize the adjective.
速度違反で止められました。
I was stopped for a speeding violation.
速度違反 (speeding violation).
この道は速度を出しやすいです。
It is easy to speed on this road.
Verb stem + やすい (easy to do).
走る速度を変えます。
I will change my running speed.
Verb modifying a noun (走る速度).
インターネットの通信速度が遅くて困っています。
I'm troubled because the internet connection speed is slow.
Te-form for reason (遅くて).
動画の再生速度を1.5倍に設定した。
I set the video playback speed to 1.5x.
再生速度 (playback speed) is common in digital contexts.
タイピングの速度を測るテストを受けました。
I took a test to measure my typing speed.
測る (to measure) is often used with 速度.
光の速度は音の速度よりずっと速い。
The speed of light is much faster than the speed of sound.
Comparative grammar: AはBより (A is more than B).
プロジェクトの進行速度が予定より遅れている。
The progress speed of the project is behind schedule.
進行速度 (speed of progress).
ダウンロード速度が安定しない。
The download speed is not stable.
安定する (to be stable).
風の速度によって、船の到着時間が変わります。
Depending on the wind speed, the ship's arrival time will change.
〜によって (depending on).
彼は驚くべき速度で仕事を終わらせた。
He finished the work at an astonishing speed.
驚くべき (astonishing/surprising) modifying 速度.
このパソコンは処理速度が非常に高く、動画編集に最適だ。
This computer has a very high processing speed and is ideal for video editing.
処理速度 (processing speed). Note: 高い is sometimes used with 処理速度 in tech contexts, though 速い is safer.
経済の回復速度は政府の予想を上回っている。
The speed of economic recovery is exceeding the government's expectations.
上回る (to exceed/surpass).
ワクチンの開発がこれほどの速度で進むとは誰も予想していなかった。
No one expected vaccine development to proceed at such a speed.
これほどの (this much/such).
技術の進歩の速度についていくのは大変だ。
It is hard to keep up with the speed of technological advancement.
〜についていく (to keep up with).
台風の移動速度が遅いため、被害が拡大する恐れがある。
Because the typhoon's moving speed is slow, there is a fear that the damage will expand.
〜恐れがある (there is a fear/risk that).
目標達成に向けて、さらに速度を加速させる必要がある。
We need to further accelerate our speed toward achieving the goal.
速度を加速させる (to accelerate the speed).
高齢化の進行速度は日本が世界で最も速い。
The speed of population aging is the fastest in the world in Japan.
進行速度 (speed of progression).
一定の速度を保って走ることが、マラソンでは重要です。
Maintaining a constant speed is important in a marathon.
一定の速度を保つ (to maintain a constant speed).
現代社会における情報伝達の速度は、人間の認知能力の限界に達しつつある。
The speed of information transmission in modern society is reaching the limits of human cognitive ability.
〜つつある (is in the process of).
その企業は、市場の変化に対して驚異的な速度で適応した。
The company adapted to market changes at a phenomenal speed.
驚異的な (phenomenal/marvelous).
相対性理論によれば、光の速度に近づくにつれて時間の進み方は遅くなる。
According to the theory of relativity, as one approaches the speed of light, the passage of time slows down.
〜につれて (as X happens, Y happens).
ウイルスの変異速度を正確に予測することは、現在の科学技術をもってしても困難である。
Accurately predicting the mutation speed of the virus is difficult even with current science and technology.
〜をもってしても (even with).
地球温暖化による海面上昇の速度は、過去数千年間で類を見ないほどである。
The speed of sea-level rise due to global warming is unprecedented in the past several thousand years.
類を見ない (unprecedented).
法整備の速度が、テクノロジーの進化に全く追いついていないのが現状だ。
The current situation is that the speed of legal development is not catching up with the evolution of technology at all.
追いついていない (not catching up).
彼は思考の速度が常人のそれを遥かに凌駕している。
The speed of his thoughts far surpasses that of an ordinary person.
凌駕する (to surpass/excel).
宇宙の膨張速度に関する新たな観測データが発表された。
New observation data regarding the expansion speed of the universe has been published.
膨張速度 (expansion speed).
歴史の転換期においては、社会構造の変化が劇的な速度で進行する。
During turning points in history, changes in social structure progress at a dramatic speed.
〜においては (in/during - highly formal).
彼の小説は、物語の展開速度と心理描写の深さが見事に調和している。
In his novels, the speed of the story's development and the depth of psychological description are beautifully harmonized.
見事に調和している (beautifully harmonized).
資本主義経済は、絶え間ない資本の回転速度の向上を至上命題としている。
The capitalist economy makes the continuous improvement of the turnover speed of capital its supreme imperative.
至上命題 (supreme imperative).
光速度不変の原理は、近代物理学の根幹を成す概念である。
The principle of the constancy of the speed of light is a concept that forms the foundation of modern physics.
根幹を成す (forms the foundation).
情報化社会の到来により、忘却の速度もまた加速しているという皮肉な現実がある。
There is an ironic reality that with the advent of the information society, the speed of forgetting is also accelerating.
〜という皮肉な現実がある (there is an ironic reality that).
細胞の老化速度を遅延させる画期的なメカニズムが解明されつつある。
A groundbreaking mechanism to delay the aging speed of cells is being elucidated.
遅延させる (to delay - highly formal).
そのピアニストは、超絶技巧を要するパッセージを信じがたい速度と正確性で弾き切った。
The pianist played through the passage requiring transcendental technique with unbelievable speed and accuracy.
弾き切る (to play through completely).
言語の変容速度は、その言語共同体が外部と接触する頻度に比例する。
The speed of language transformation is proportional to the frequency with which the language community contacts the outside.
〜に比例する (is proportional to).
Synonymes
Antonymes
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Comment l'utiliser
Highly versatile. Use in physics, driving, internet, and business.
Standard to Formal. Safe for all professional use.
- Saying 速度が高い (The speed is high) instead of 速度が速い (The speed is fast).
- Using 速度 to describe someone's personal quickness (e.g., eating speed) instead of using 速さ or 早く.
- Saying 速度を大きくする (Make the speed big) instead of 速度を上げる (Raise the speed).
- Confusing the kanji 速 with 遠 (far). They share the same radical but have different inner components.
- Pronouncing it with a flat pitch accent instead of dropping the pitch after the first syllable (SO-ku-do).
Astuces
Adjective Pairing
Always use 速い (fast) or 遅い (slow) with 速度. Never use 高い (high) or 低い (low). This is the #1 mistake learners make.
Driving Vocab
Memorize 速度制限 (speed limit) and 速度違反 (speeding violation). They are essential if you plan to drive in Japan.
Internet Speed
When buying a SIM card or Wi-Fi in Japan, look for 通信速度 (tsuushin sokudo). It tells you how fast your data will be.
Casual vs Formal
In a casual chat with friends, use スピード or 速さ. In a business meeting or written email, switch to 速度 for a professional tone.
Train Announcements
Listen carefully on the Shinkansen. You might hear announcements about reaching a certain 速度 (speed) or slowing down due to weather.
Compound Words
速度 loves to attach to other words. 処理速度 (processing speed), 再生速度 (playback speed), and 進行速度 (progress speed) are everywhere online.
Kanji Practice
Pay attention to the 辶 (shinnyou) radical in 速. It is drawn last! First draw the inner part (束), then the sweeping road radical.
Objective Measurement
Use 速度 when you can measure the speed with a number (km/h, Mbps). If it's just a feeling ('He eats fast'), use 速さ or 早く.
Accelerating Rate
Learn the phrase 加速度的に (kasokudoteki ni). It means 'at an accelerating rate' and makes you sound very advanced in business Japanese.
Typhoon Speeds
Japanese weather news often compares typhoon 速度 to human speeds, like '自転車並みの速度' (speed of a bicycle) to help people understand the danger.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a SOck (ソク) doing (ド) a fast run. The SOck DOes it with great SPEED.
Origine du mot
Sino-Japanese (Kango)
Contexte culturel
Implies an objective, measurable rate rather than a subjective feeling.
Neutral/Formal. Suitable for all situations, but preferred in writing and professional contexts over 'スピード'.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"家のWi-Fiの速度、満足していますか？ (Are you satisfied with your home Wi-Fi speed?)"
"日本の新幹線の速度についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the speed of Japan's bullet trains?)"
"仕事の速度を上げるためのコツはありますか？ (Do you have any tips for increasing work speed?)"
"動画を見るとき、再生速度を変えますか？ (Do you change the playback speed when watching videos?)"
"高速道路で速度制限を守るのは大切ですね。 (It's important to obey the speed limit on the highway, isn't it?)"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a time when you felt the 'speed' of technology changing your life.
Write about your experience with internet speeds in different places.
How do you control the 'speed' or pace of your daily life to avoid stress?
Discuss the importance of speed limits in your country compared to Japan.
Write a short review of a device, focusing on its processing speed.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, this is a very common mistake. In Japanese, speed is described as 'fast' (速い) or 'slow' (遅い). You should say '速度が速い'. While '高速' (high speed) exists as a noun, the adjective pairing is strictly fast/slow.
'速度' is a formal, Sino-Japanese word used for objective measurements, machines, and data. 'スピード' is an English loanword used in both casual and business contexts, often for human actions or sports. In a formal report, use '速度'.
The word is '速度制限' (sokudo seigen). You will see this on road signs everywhere in Japan. Another related term is '法定速度' (houtei sokudo), which means the legal speed limit.
Yes, absolutely. '通信速度' (tsuushin sokudo - communication speed) or '回線速度' (kaisen sokudo - line speed) are the standard terms used by internet providers and tech reviewers in Japan.
You can say 'もう少し速度を落としてください' (Mou sukoshi sokudo o otoshite kudasai). A slightly more casual but polite way is 'もう少しゆっくり走ってください' (Please drive a little slower).
To increase speed, use '速度を上げる' (sokudo o ageru) or '速度を出す' (sokudo o dasu). To decrease speed, use '速度を落とす' (sokudo o otosu).
Yes. You can say '成長速度' (seichou sokudo - speed of growth) or '進行速度' (shinkou sokudo - speed of progress). It is very common in business and academic contexts.
It is Atamadaka (頭高型). The pitch starts high on the first mora 'ソ' (so) and drops for 'クド' (kudo). Pronounce it SO-ku-do.
'加速度' (kasokudo) means 'acceleration'. It is a physics term but is also used metaphorically, like '加速度的に増える' (to increase at an accelerating rate).
Yes. The kanji 速 has the 'movement/road' radical (辶), which relates to traveling. 度 has the 'hand' and 'house' elements, used for measuring degrees. Together, measuring movement = speed.
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Summary
速度 (sokudo) is the standard, formal word for 'speed' in Japanese, essential for discussing driving limits, internet connections, and the pace of progress. Always pair it with 速い (fast) or 遅い (slow).
- Means 'speed' or 'velocity' in Japanese.
- Used for physical movement (cars, wind).
- Used for digital connections (internet, Wi-Fi).
- Used for the pace of abstract processes (growth).
Adjective Pairing
Always use 速い (fast) or 遅い (slow) with 速度. Never use 高い (high) or 低い (low). This is the #1 mistake learners make.
Driving Vocab
Memorize 速度制限 (speed limit) and 速度違反 (speeding violation). They are essential if you plan to drive in Japan.
Internet Speed
When buying a SIM card or Wi-Fi in Japan, look for 通信速度 (tsuushin sokudo). It tells you how fast your data will be.
Casual vs Formal
In a casual chat with friends, use スピード or 速さ. In a business meeting or written email, switch to 速度 for a professional tone.
Exemple
速度を上げます。
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