Translation guide
Describes speech that is rapid, often to the point of being difficult to understand, or a person who speaks in a rapid, persuasive, or glib manner. This guide covers how to express 'fast-talking' in Japanese, from neutral descriptions of speed to negative connotations of being slick or pushy.
Noun meaning 'fast speech' or 'rapid talking'. Often used in compounds like 早口言葉 (tongue twister).
彼の早口についていけない。
I can't keep up with his fast talking.
Verb phrase meaning 'to speak rapidly'. Combines 早口 with 話す.
彼女はいつも早口で話す。
She always speaks fast.
To describe someone who uses fast speech to deceive, persuade, or avoid giving straight answers, like a con artist or pushy salesperson.
Literally 'mouth is skillful/tasty'. Means 'smooth-talking', 'glib', or 'honey-tongued'. Implies charm and persuasiveness, often with a hint of insincerity.
あのセールスマンは口がうまい。
That salesman is a smooth talker.
Noun/na-adjective meaning 'eloquent' or 'glib'. Often implies a negative nuance of being too talkative or slick.
Combines 'fast speech' with 'rattle on', emphasizing both speed and overwhelming verbosity.
詐欺師は早口でまくし立てて、被害者を混乱させた。
The con artist fast-talked and confused the victim.
To describe a person known for speaking fast, like an auctioneer or a character in a movie.
Simply 'a fast-talking person'. 早口 is a noun, so な is used to modify 人.
彼は生まれつきの早口な人だ。
He's a naturally fast talker.
Idiomatic: 'speaks like a machine gun'. Vividly describes extremely rapid, staccato speech.
彼女は機関銃のように話す。
She talks a mile a minute.
Avoid directly translating 'fast-talking' as 速く話す (はやくはなす) when you mean 'smooth-talking' or 'glib'. 速く話す simply means 'speak quickly' and lacks the persuasive/deceptive nuance. Use 口がうまい or 口達者 instead.
Both can mean 'glib', but 口がうまい focuses more on charm and persuasiveness (like a sweet-talker), while 口達者 emphasizes talkativeness and verbal skill, often with a negative edge. 口がうまい is more common in everyday speech.
彼は口達者で、言いくるめられそうになった。
He's so glib, I almost got talked into it.
Verb meaning 'to talk on and on', 'to rattle off', or 'to fire off words rapidly'. Conveys a sense of overwhelming the listener with fast speech.
彼は一方的にまくし立てた。
He rattled on without letting me get a word in.