early, fast
早 centers on being ahead of the expected time: early in the day or in sequence, and by extension moving or happening quickly.
早 is thought to combine 日 (sun) with a simplified form of 甲 (armor/shell), suggesting the sun rising above a hard surface or the first light of day, hence early.
The sun 日 rises above the cross-shaped marker 十, like the first light hitting a sundial: it's early, and the day starts fast.
For ソウ, imagine the early morning sun (ソウ, like 'so' in 'solar') rising quickly: 'So early!' -> ソウ.
fast; quick; rapid; swift; speedy; brisk; prompt
good morning
already; now
at once; immediately; without delay; promptly
early morning
early stage
quick; swift; nimble; agile
already; now; by this time
as soon as ...; just after ...; immediately after ...
early; quickly; promptly
getting up early; early rising
immediate; prompt; quick; rapid; urgent; pressing
promptly; quickly; without delay
young female rice planter; young girl
fast-talking; rapid talking
to be brought forward (e.g. by three hours); to be moved up; to be advanced
leaving early
nimble; quick; agile
go to bed early
to bring forward (e.g. by 3 hours); to advance; to hasten (e.g. one's death); to expedite; to precipitate
precocity; early ripening; premature development
early spring
swift current; rapids
fast (walking); quick; brisk