Translation guide
The English word "acute" has several distinct meanings, from describing sharp senses or intelligence to medical conditions and geometric angles. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing something that is sharp, keen, or intense, especially pain, senses, or awareness.
The most common and versatile word for 'sharp' or 'keen', used for senses, intuition, pain, and criticism.
He felt an acute pain.
She has acute powers of observation.
Emphasizes intensity or severity, often used for pain, emotions, or changes.
I was struck by an acute stomachache.
Medical term for 'acute' as opposed to chronic. Used in compound words.
I was diagnosed with acute gastritis.
Describing a person who is very intelligent, perceptive, or quick to understand.
Works for mental sharpness, insight, or keen judgment.
He has an acute mind.
Means 'wise' or 'intelligent', often used for people with sharp intellect.
A sharp, shrewd person; often used in business or political contexts.
Describing a situation or problem that is very serious or at a critical stage.
The standard word for 'serious' or 'grave', used for problems, shortages, crises.
Food shortages have become an acute problem.
Means 'serious' or 'significant', often used for matters of great importance.
This is an acute crisis.
Implies urgency or imminence, often used for danger or need.
An acute danger is approaching.
In geometry, describing an angle that is less than 90 degrees.
The standard mathematical term for 'acute angle'.
This triangle has three acute angles.
Referring to the diacritical mark over a letter, as in 'café'.
鋭い (surudoi) suggests a sharp, stabbing pain, while 激しい (hageshii) suggests intense, severe pain. Use 鋭い for a quick, piercing sensation and 激しい for overwhelming, continuous pain.
急性 (kyūsei) is strictly a medical term meaning 'acute' as opposed to 'chronic'. Using it to describe a sharp mind or intense pain would sound unnatural.
彼女は聡明な学生だ。
She is an acute student.
彼はなかなかの切れ者だ。
He's quite an acute person.
The specific term for acute accent in linguistics.
In French, the acute accent is often used.