Translation guide
The English word 'agile' can describe physical nimbleness, mental quickness, or a flexible approach to work. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing a person or animal that moves quickly and easily.
Commonly used for physical lightness and ease of movement. Often describes people who can move without burden.
彼は身軽に階段を駆け上がった。
He ran up the stairs nimbly.
Emphasizes quickness and sharpness of movement. Slightly more formal or literary.
猫は敏捷な動きでネズミを捕まえた。
The cat caught the mouse with agile movements.
Colloquial adjective for quick, restless, or fidgety movement. Often used for small animals or children.
あの子はすばしっこくて、写真が撮れない。
That kid is so agile I can't get a photo.
Describing a mind that is sharp, quick to understand, or adaptable.
A common phrase meaning 'quick-witted' or 'sharp.' Literally 'head rotation is fast.'
彼女は頭の回転が速くて、どんな質問にもすぐ答えられる。
She's mentally agile and can answer any question immediately.
Means resourceful or quick-thinking, especially in a tight spot. Emphasizes cleverness.
彼は機転が利くから、トラブルにもすぐ対応できる。
He's agile-minded, so he can handle trouble right away.
Describes a mind that is clear, sharp, and alert. Often used in the form 頭が冴えている.
今朝は頭が冴えていて、仕事がはかどる。
My mind is agile this morning, so work is going smoothly.
Describing an approach, team, or organization that adapts quickly to change, especially in business or software development.
The loanword 'agile' is widely used in Japanese business and tech contexts, especially for 'Agile development.'
うちのチームはアジャイル開発を採用しています。
Our team uses agile development.
Means mobile, flexible, or maneuverable. Used for organizations or systems that can respond quickly.
機動的な組織を作ることが重要だ。
It's important to build an agile organization.
General word for 'flexible.' Often used for attitudes, plans, or thinking. Less specific to movement.
The loanword アジャイル is almost exclusively used in business and software contexts. For physical nimbleness, use 身軽 or 敏捷.
変化に柔軟に対応する。
Respond flexibly (agilely) to changes.