Translation guide
The English adverb 'quickly' describes doing something with speed or in a short time. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 速く (hayaku), but the best choice depends on whether you mean physical speed, promptness, or immediacy. This guide covers natural expressions for different contexts.
Describing an action performed at a fast pace or with rapid movement.
The standard adverb for 'quickly' in the sense of fast movement or action. It comes from the adjective 速い (hayai, 'fast'). Use this for physical speed.
彼は速く走った。
He ran quickly.
Please speak more quickly.
Means 'quickly' with a nuance of agility or nimbleness. Often used for swift, deft movements.
The cat moved quickly.
Literally 'in a hurry', used when someone does something quickly because they are rushed. It implies urgency.
I quickly ate breakfast (because I was in a rush).
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'quickly' or 'in a flash', often used for brief, light actions.
He quickly left the room.
Doing something soon or immediately, without waiting.
The most common way to say 'quickly' in the sense of 'right away' or 'immediately'. It focuses on the short time before starting.
I'll be back quickly.
He replied quickly.
Can mean 'quickly' in the sense of 'early' or 'soon'. Often used in requests to do something promptly. Note: 早く (hayaku) shares the same reading as 速く but implies timeliness rather than speed.
Do not confuse with 速く (hayaku) for physical speed. 早く is about time, 速く is about velocity.
An adverb meaning 'quickly' with a nuance of doing something without hesitation or dawdling. Can sound blunt or impatient.
Completing an action within a brief period.
Both are read as はやく, but 速く refers to speed (fast), while 早く refers to time (early/soon). For 'quickly' as in moving fast, use 速く. For 'quickly' as in doing something soon, use 早く or すぐに.
In Japanese, adverbs are often omitted if the speed is obvious from context. Overusing 速く can sound unnatural. For example, 'He quickly stood up' is often just 彼は立ち上がった unless the speed is emphasized.
Please come quickly.
さっさと片付けなさい。
Clean up quickly.
I finished eating quickly (in no time).