Use '速い' for speed/velocity and '早い' for early timing.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe high speed or quick movement.
- Commonly applied to vehicles, running speed, or processing efficiency.
- Distinguish from '早い' which refers to early timing.
Overview
- 1概要：速いは、物体が空間を移動する速度や、ある動作が完了するまでの時間が短いことを指します。客観的なスピードを評価する際に最も一般的に用いられる形容詞です。2) 使用パターン：主に「名詞＋が＋速い」や「〜は＋速い」という形で使われます。例えば「車が速い」「足が速い」のように、対象の能力や性能を示す際に多用されます。また、「速く走る」のように連用形で副詞的に用いることも可能です。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話では、乗り物のスピード（車、電車、飛行機）や、個人の能力（走る速さ、タイピングの速さ）、あるいは時間の経過が早いことを指す際にも使われます。4) 類義語との比較：「早い」と「速い」は同音異義語です。「早い」は「時刻が早い」「時期が早い」といった時間軸の早さを指すのに対し、「速い」は「速度」そのものを指します。漢字の使い分けには注意が必要です。
Examples
この新幹線はとても速い。
everydayThis Shinkansen is very fast.
通信速度が速い回線を選びました。
formalI chose a line with a fast communication speed.
もっと速く歩いて！
informalWalk faster!
処理速度が速いアルゴリズム。
academicAn algorithm with fast processing speed.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
速いペース
Fast pace
目が速い
Quick to notice
速い車
Fast car
Often Confused With
Refers to time and schedule. '速い' refers to speed and velocity.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '速い' exclusively for speed and velocity. It is a neutral adjective used in both formal and informal registers. Be careful not to use it for 'early arrival' or 'early morning'.
Common Mistakes
The most common error is using '早い' for speed. Remember that '速' includes the movement radical. Students often struggle with the adverbial form '速く'.
Tips
Focus on the Kanji radical
The kanji 速 contains the 'movement' radical (辵). This helps you remember it relates to physical speed.
Don't confuse with early
Always check if you mean 'velocity' (速い) or 'timing' (早い). Misusing these is a common mistake for learners.
Speed in Japanese culture
Efficiency and speed are highly valued in Japanese society. You will often hear '速く' in workplace instructions.
Word Origin
The kanji 速 combines the radical for movement (辶) with a phonetic component. It historically evolved to represent the concept of moving quickly across a distance.
Cultural Context
In Japan, punctuality is valued, so '早い' (early) is used frequently. However, in sports and technology, '速い' is essential for describing performance.
Memory Tip
Think of the movement radical (辶) in 速 as a person running fast. It helps link the visual shape to the meaning of speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「速い」はスピードが速いことを指し、「早い」は時間的に早いことを指します。例えば、走るスピードなら「速い」、朝起きる時間なら「早い」を使います。
反対語は「遅い（おそい）」です。スピードが遅い場合も、時間的に遅い場合も「遅い」を使います。
はい、あります。「速く走る」のように、動詞を修飾する副詞として使われます。この場合、形容詞の「い」が「く」に変化します。
はい、使えます。例えば「彼は走るのが速い」や「あの選手は動きが速い」のように、人の能力や動作のスピードを評価する際に使います。
Test Yourself
この車はとても___です。
車の移動速度について述べているため、スピードを表す「速い」が適切です。
彼は陸上選手なので、走るのが___。
走る速度は物理的なスピードなので「速い」を使います。
（速く / 走ります / 彼は / 。）
主語＋副詞＋動詞の語順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '速い' for speed/velocity and '早い' for early timing.
- Used to describe high speed or quick movement.
- Commonly applied to vehicles, running speed, or processing efficiency.
- Distinguish from '早い' which refers to early timing.
Focus on the Kanji radical
The kanji 速 contains the 'movement' radical (辵). This helps you remember it relates to physical speed.
Don't confuse with early
Always check if you mean 'velocity' (速い) or 'timing' (早い). Misusing these is a common mistake for learners.
Speed in Japanese culture
Efficiency and speed are highly valued in Japanese society. You will often hear '速く' in workplace instructions.
Examples
4 of 4この新幹線はとても速い。
This Shinkansen is very fast.
通信速度が速い回線を選びました。
I chose a line with a fast communication speed.
もっと速く歩いて！
Walk faster!
処理速度が速いアルゴリズム。
An algorithm with fast processing speed.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
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〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
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絶対に
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