Translation guide
How to express 'pace' in Japanese, covering speed, steps, rhythm, and related expressions.
The speed at which someone or something moves or progresses.
The most common and versatile loanword for 'pace', used for speed in walking, running, working, etc.
自分のペースで走ってください。
Please run at your own pace.
仕事のペースが速すぎる。
The pace of work is too fast.
Means 'speed' or 'velocity'. More formal and technical than ペース.
車の速度を落としてください。
Please reduce the speed of the car.
Another loanword for 'speed', often used for physical speed or quickness.
スピードを上げて！
Pick up the pace!
One step taken while moving on foot.
The steady rhythm or tempo of an activity, music, or life.
Loanword for 'tempo', used for music, speech, or the rhythm of activities.
この曲のテンポは速い。
The pace of this song is fast.
会話のテンポが合わない。
The pace of the conversation doesn't match.
Means 'rhythm'. Similar to テンポ but more about the pattern of beats.
生活のリズムを整える。
Regulate the pace of life.
To walk back and forth in a small area, often due to nervousness or impatience.
Means 'to go back and forth'. The most natural way to express pacing in a room.
彼は部屋の中を行ったり来たりしていた。
He was pacing back and forth in the room.
Means 'to wander around' or 'to pace about' restlessly. Slightly more casual.
待合室でうろうろしないでください。
Don't pace around in the waiting room.
To establish a speed or standard for others to follow.
Literally 'to make the pace'. Used in sports, work, or group activities.
彼がチームのペースを作っている。
He is setting the pace for the team.
Means 'to take the lead'. Can imply setting the pace in a race or project.
彼女が先頭に立ってプロジェクトを進めた。
She set the pace and advanced the project.
To stay at the same speed or level as someone or something.
Means 'to catch up with' or 'to keep pace with'. Used when trying to match a faster pace.
彼の走るペースに追いつけない。
I can't keep pace with his running.
Literally 'to follow without falling behind'. Emphasizes not lagging.
授業の進み具合に遅れずについていく。
Keep pace with the progress of the class.
ペース is the most common for 'pace' in everyday contexts (work, walking, life). 速度 is more formal and technical, often used for vehicles or physics. スピード emphasizes quickness and is often used in sports or when urging someone to go faster.
When 'pace' means speed or rhythm, using 歩幅 or 一歩 would be incorrect. Use ペース or テンポ instead.