Translation guide
The English word "nimble" covers physical agility, mental quickness, and dexterity. Japanese expresses these with different words depending on the context.
Describing quick, light, and graceful physical movement.
Describes a person who moves lightly and easily, often implying a lack of burden or quick reflexes.
Describing a mind that is sharp, quick-witted, and able to think fast.
Literally "head rotation is fast"; idiomatic for being quick-witted or mentally nimble.
彼は頭の回転が速いから、どんな質問にもすぐ答えられる。
He's mentally nimble, so he can answer any question right away.
Describing skillful, quick, and precise use of the hands.
Means to be dexterous with one's hands; nimble-fingered.
彼女は手先が器用で、細かい作業が得意だ。
She has nimble fingers and is good at detailed work.
English sometimes says 'nimble car' for agile handling, but Japanese does not use the above words for vehicles. Instead, use 小回りが利く (こまわりがきく) for a car with a tight turning radius, or 機動性が高い (きどうせいがたかい) for high maneuverability.
彼は身軽に階段を駆け上がった。
He nimbly ran up the stairs.
Refers to quick, agile movements; often used for animals or in sports contexts.
猫はとても敏捷だ。
Cats are very nimble.
Colloquial adjective for someone who is quick and nimble, often with a nuance of being hard to catch.
あの子はすばしっこくて捕まえられない。
That kid is so nimble I can't catch him.
Light and brisk movement, often used for walking or dancing.
彼女は軽快なステップで踊った。
She danced with nimble steps.
Means to be resourceful and quick-thinking, especially in tricky situations.
機転が利く人なら、この問題もすぐ解決できるだろう。
A nimble-minded person could solve this problem quickly.
Describes a sharp, clear mind; often used for someone who is on top of their game mentally.
今日は頭が冴えていて、仕事がはかどる。
My mind is nimble today, so work is going smoothly.
Specifically emphasizes nimble fingertips.
ピアニストは指先が器用でなければならない。
A pianist must have nimble fingers.