Translation guide
The English word 'quick' covers speed, time, intelligence, and temperament. Japanese uses different words depending on the nuance.
Describing something that moves or happens at high speed.
The most common word for 'fast' or 'quick' in terms of speed. Used for vehicles, running, actions, etc.
He is a quick runner.
This car is very quick.
Emphasizes agility and nimbleness, often for physical movements or reflexes.
Formal or written term for 'swift' or 'prompt', often used in business or official contexts.
Means 'early' rather than 'fast', but can overlap when referring to quick timing. Often confused with 速い.
Do not use 早い for physical speed; it means 'early' in time.
Describing an action or process that is completed in a short duration.
Used when something is done quickly, without delay. Often overlaps with 'early'.
Describing a person who understands or learns things rapidly.
Literally 'head is good', meaning smart or quick-witted. Very common.
Easily angered or irritable.
Means short-tempered, quick to anger. Common in describing personality.
猫の動きは素早い。
A cat's movements are quick.
迅速な対応をお願いします。
Please take quick action.
彼の回復は早かった。
His recovery was quick (happened early/soon).
You gave a quick reply.
He is quick at his work.
Means 'quick and easy', often with a nuance of taking a shortcut. Casual.
Let's get it done quickly.
Adverb meaning 'immediately' or 'right away'. Very common for 'quickly' in the sense of 'without delay'.
I'll be back quickly.
Adverb meaning 'quickly' or 'without hesitation', often with a sense of briskness or impatience. Casual.
Clean it up quickly.
She is really quick-witted.
Means clever, smart, or quick-witted. Often used for children or animals.
A quick (clever) dog.
Means 'sharp' or 'quick-witted', often describing someone's mind or judgment.
I'm quick-witted today.
He is quick-tempered.
Means 'prone to anger' or 'quick to get angry'. More colloquial.
I've become quick-tempered lately.
a quick reply
The loanword クイック (kuikku) is not commonly used in natural Japanese except in specific compound terms like クイックレスポンス (quick response) or product names. Avoid using it as a general translation for 'quick'.