Translation guide
The English word "speedy" describes something that is fast, quick, or prompt. In Japanese, the most natural equivalent depends on whether you are talking about a person, an action, a service, or a process. The most common and versatile word is 速い (hayai), but other expressions like 迅速 (jinsoku) and スピーディー (supīdī) are used in specific contexts.
Describing a person, vehicle, animal, or physical movement that is fast.
The most common and general word for 'fast' or 'speedy' in terms of speed. Can be used for people, animals, vehicles, and actions.
彼は走るのが速い。
He is a speedy runner.
この車はとても速い。
This car is very speedy.
A loanword from English, often used in casual or modern contexts to emphasize speed and efficiency, similar to 'speedy' in English. Common in business or service descriptions.
スピーディーな対応ありがとう。
Thank you for the speedy response.
Means 'quick' or 'nimble', often implying agility and promptness in action. Suitable for describing reflexes, movements, or responses.
彼の素早い動きに驚いた。
I was surprised by his speedy movements.
Describing a response, service, or action that happens quickly and without unnecessary delay.
A formal word meaning 'rapid' or 'prompt'. Often used in business, official contexts, or when praising quick service.
迅速なご返信ありがとうございます。
Thank you for your speedy reply.
迅速に対応します。
We will handle it speedily.
An adverb meaning 'at once', 'immediately', or 'without delay'. Used when someone acts promptly after a request or opportunity.
Means 'nimble-fingered' or 'quick in manual tasks'. Implies doing something efficiently and speedily, often with one's hands.
Describing an event, process, or period that is brief or happens quickly.
Both are read as はやい, but 速い refers to speed (fast), while 早い refers to time (early). For 'speedy', use 速い. Using 早い would mean 'early' and is incorrect for speed contexts.
While スピーディー is understood, it can sound like marketing jargon or overly casual. In formal writing or speech, prefer 迅速 (jinsoku) or 速い (hayai) depending on context.
早速ですが、本題に入ります。
Without further delay, let's get to the main topic.
ご連絡ありがとうございます。早速確認します。
Thank you for contacting us. I'll check it right away.
She cooked the meal speedily.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'in the blink of an eye' or 'before you know it'. Conveys that something happened so quickly it felt instantaneous.
休みはあっという間だった。
The vacation was over in a flash (was speedy).