Translation guide
The quality of being sharp, covering physical edges, sensory acuity, mental keenness, and intensity.
Describing a sharp edge or point, like a knife or needle.
Refers specifically to the sharpness and cutting quality of a blade. Commonly used for knives, swords, and scissors.
この包丁は切れ味がいい。
This kitchen knife has good sharpness.
General term for sharpness of a point or edge, but also used metaphorically. Can describe needles, fangs, or even a sharp look.
その針の鋭さに驚いた。
I was surprised by the sharpness of the needle.
Literally 'sharpness of the blade'. More specific than 鋭さ alone.
日本刀の刃の鋭さは有名だ。
The sharpness of Japanese sword blades is famous.
Describing keen senses or acute perception.
Used for sensory acuity, such as sharp eyesight or hearing.
彼は視力の鋭さで知られている。
He is known for the sharpness of his eyesight.
Refers to sensitivity, often used for devices or senses. For taste, 味覚の鋭さ is more natural.
このセンサーは感度が高い。
This sensor has high sensitivity (sharpness).
Describing a sharp mind, quick thinking, or cleverness.
Commonly used for mental acuity, sharp wit, or keen insight.
彼の分析の鋭さには感心する。
I admire the sharpness of his analysis.
A noun meaning 'sharp person' or 'clever person'. Describes someone mentally sharp.
彼はなかなかの切れ者だ。
He is quite a sharp person.
Literally 'speed of mental rotation', meaning quick-wittedness or mental sharpness.
彼女の頭の回転の速さには驚かされる。
I'm amazed by the sharpness of her mind.
Describing visual or audio clarity, like a sharp photo or crisp sound.
Refers to clarity and vividness, often used for images, displays, or memories.
このテレビは画像の鮮明さが素晴らしい。
This TV has amazing image sharpness.
Means 'resolution', often used technically for sharpness in digital images.
解像度が高いほど画像は鮮明になる。
The higher the resolution, the sharper the image.
Loanword from English 'sharp', used in technical contexts like photography or audio.
このレンズはシャープさに優れている。
This lens excels in sharpness.
Describing a sharp, pungent, or tangy flavor.
Refers to spiciness or pungency, like chili or mustard. Not exactly 'sharpness' but often translated as such for strong flavors.
このカレーは辛味が強い。
This curry has a strong sharpness (spiciness).
Means sourness or tartness, often described as sharp in English.
Means 'stimulus' or 'irritation', used for a sharp sensation from food like wasabi.
Describing a sharp, stinging, or acute pain.
Literally 'sharp pain', the most direct translation.
胸に鋭い痛みを感じた。
I felt a sharp pain in my chest.
Means 'severe pain', often implying sharpness.
激痛が走った。
A sharp pain shot through me.
切れ味 is specifically for cutting ability of blades. 鋭さ is broader, covering points, senses, and mental sharpness. Use 切れ味 for knives; 鋭さ for needles, eyesight, or wit.
English 'sharpness' for taste often translates to 辛味 (spiciness) or 酸味 (sourness), not 鋭さ. Using 鋭さ for food would sound unnatural.
The sharpness of the lemon tightens the dish.
The sharpness of wasabi hits the nose.