Translation guide
The concept of speed in Japanese can be expressed through nouns, adjectives, and verbs. The most common word is 速さ (hayasa), but the choice depends on whether you're talking about physical speed, quickness of action, or rate of progress.
To describe the speed of a vehicle, person, animal, or object in motion.
The most general noun for 'speed'. Used for physical movement.
この車の速さはすごい。
The speed of this car is amazing.
新幹線の速さは時速300キロです。
The speed of the Shinkansen is 300 km/h.
Loanword from English, often used in sports, technology, or casual contexts. Can feel more dynamic.
彼の投球のスピードは150キロを超える。
His pitching speed exceeds 150 km/h.
Formal or technical term for speed or velocity. Common in physics, engineering, and official contexts.
速度制限を守ってください。
Please observe the speed limit.
To describe how quickly a person performs a task or reacts.
Also used for speed of action, not just movement.
彼の仕事の速さには驚いた。
I was surprised at the speed of his work.
Emphasizes agility, nimbleness, or quick reflexes. Often used for physical actions.
猫の素早さに感心した。
I was impressed by the cat's quickness.
Formal term for promptness or swiftness, often in business or official contexts.
対応の迅速さが求められる。
Promptness of response is required.
To describe how fast something advances, such as technology, economic growth, or a process.
Can be used metaphorically for the pace of change.
技術の進歩の速さは目を見張るものがある。
The speed of technological progress is astonishing.
Often used in business or casual talk about pace.
Loanword meaning 'pace'. Often used for work, study, or life rhythm.
To describe something as fast or high-speed.
The most common adjective for 'fast'. Used for both movement and action.
この電車はとても速い。
This train is very fast.
彼は仕事が速い。
He is fast at his work.
Means 'high-speed', often used as a prefix or in compound nouns.
To express the action of accelerating or making something faster.
Transitive verb: to speed something up.
車の速度を速めた。
I increased the car's speed.
Intransitive verb: to become faster.
Common phrase meaning 'to increase speed'.
もう少しスピードを上げてください。
Please speed up a little more.
彼は驚くべき速さで仕事を終えた。
He finished the work with amazing speed.
このプロジェクトの進行スピードは遅すぎる。
The progress speed of this project is too slow.
You can study at your own speed.
高速道路を走った。
I drove on the expressway (high-speed road).
風が急に速まった。
The wind suddenly sped up.