Translation guide
The English verb 'quicken' means to become faster or to make something faster. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases depending on what is quickening (pace, heartbeat, breathing, etc.) and whether it is intransitive or transitive.
To describe something becoming faster on its own, such as pace, speed, heartbeat, or breathing.
The most general and neutral way to say 'become faster'. Used for speed, pace, tempo, etc.
My running pace quickened.
The tempo of the music quickens.
Often used for events happening sooner than expected, or for a schedule being moved up. Can also mean 'become faster' in some contexts, but '速くなる' is more common for physical speed.
Means 'accelerate'. More technical or formal than '速くなる'. Often used for vehicles or economic trends.
The car quickened (accelerated).
To cause something to become faster, such as pace, steps, or a process.
The most direct and common way to say 'make faster'. Can be used for physical speed, pace, or abstract processes.
To describe a heartbeat becoming faster, often due to excitement, fear, or exertion.
To describe breathing becoming faster, often due to exertion or emotion.
To make a process, development, or change happen faster.
Both are read 'hayai' but have different kanji. 速い refers to speed (fast), while 早い refers to time (early). When talking about quickening pace or speed, use 速くなる/速くする. When talking about moving a schedule earlier, use 早める/早まる. However, in kana, both are written はやい, so context clarifies meaning.
The speed is fast.
The departure was quickened (moved up).
He quickened his pace.
Please quicken the speed of the work.
Transitive verb meaning 'to hasten' or 'to advance (a schedule)'. Often used for deadlines, events, or processes rather than physical speed.
We quickened our departure (moved it up).
To hasten one's death.
Causative form of '加速する', meaning 'to make something accelerate'. More formal or technical.
The government is trying to quicken economic growth.
My heartbeat quickened from nervousness.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'heart pounds/throbs' with excitement or anticipation. More poetic/literary.
My heart quickened with anticipation.
More clinical way to say 'pulse quickens'. Used in medical or descriptive contexts.
Your pulse quickens when you exercise.
After running, my breathing quickened.
Means 'breathing becomes rough/heavy'. Implies labored or panting breath, not just faster.
His breathing quickened and became ragged from fear.
Used for hastening events, schedules, or abstract processes.
To quicken the pace of technological progress.
Means 'to promote/accelerate'. Often used in formal contexts like business or policy.
To quicken reforms.
時間が早い。
The time is early.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'quicken'. Using a direct translation like 'クイッケンする' is not Japanese. Always rephrase based on what is becoming/made faster.