Translation guide
The English word "acute" has several distinct meanings, from describing sharp senses or intelligence to medical conditions and geometric angles. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing something that is sharp, keen, or intense, especially pain, senses, or awareness.
The most common and versatile word for 'sharp' or 'keen', used for senses, intuition, pain, and criticism.
彼は鋭い痛みを感じた。
He felt an acute pain.
彼女は鋭い観察力を持っている。
She has acute powers of observation.
Emphasizes intensity or severity, often used for pain, emotions, or changes.
激しい腹痛に襲われた。
I was struck by an acute stomachache.
Medical term for 'acute' as opposed to chronic. Used in compound words.
急性胃炎と診断された。
I was diagnosed with acute gastritis.
Describing a person who is very intelligent, perceptive, or quick to understand.
Works for mental sharpness, insight, or keen judgment.
彼は鋭い頭脳の持ち主だ。
He has an acute mind.
Means 'wise' or 'intelligent', often used for people with sharp intellect.
A sharp, shrewd person; often used in business or political contexts.
Describing a situation or problem that is very serious or at a critical stage.
The standard word for 'serious' or 'grave', used for problems, shortages, crises.
食糧不足が深刻な問題になっている。
Food shortages have become an acute problem.
Means 'serious' or 'significant', often used for matters of great importance.
これは重大な危機だ。
This is an acute crisis.
Implies urgency or imminence, often used for danger or need.
切迫した危険が迫っている。
An acute danger is approaching.
In geometry, describing an angle that is less than 90 degrees.
The standard mathematical term for 'acute angle'.
この三角形は三つの鋭角を持つ。
This triangle has three acute angles.
Referring to the diacritical mark over a letter, as in 'café'.
General term for accent marks; can specify '鋭アクセント' for acute accent.
「é」の上の記号は鋭アクセントと呼ばれる。
The mark above 'é' is called an acute accent.
鋭い (surudoi) suggests a sharp, stabbing pain, while 激しい (hageshii) suggests intense, severe pain. Use 鋭い for a quick, piercing sensation and 激しい for overwhelming, continuous pain.
急性 (kyūsei) is strictly a medical term meaning 'acute' as opposed to 'chronic'. Using it to describe a sharp mind or intense pain would sound unnatural.
彼女は聡明な学生だ。
She is an acute student.
彼はなかなかの切れ者だ。
He's quite an acute person.
The specific term for acute accent in linguistics.
フランス語では鋭アクセントがよく使われる。
In French, the acute accent is often used.