Translation guide
The English word "sharp" covers many meanings: physically pointed or edged, sudden changes, intelligent, intense sensations, and more. Japanese uses different words for each meaning. This guide breaks them down by use.
Describing something with a fine point or thin cutting edge, like a knife, needle, or pencil.
General word for sharp (pointed or keen). Used for blades, claws, teeth, and also for sharp senses or insight.
This knife is very sharp.
A cat's claws are sharp.
Specifically means pointed, tapered, or sharp at the tip. Used for pencils, sticks, rocks, or a sharp nose/chin.
Please sharpen the pencil.
He has a sharp chin.
Describes a blade's cutting performance. Literally "cutting taste is good." Common for kitchen knives and swords.
This kitchen knife is sharp (cuts well).
Colloquial way to say a blade cuts well/sharp. Often used in everyday speech.
These scissors are sharp.
Describing a sudden, intense, or stinging pain, or a strong sensation like cold or taste.
Used for sharp pain, as well as sharp senses (hearing, eyesight).
A sharp pain ran through my chest.
Means intense, violent, severe. Used for sharp pain, but also for intense emotions or weather.
Literally "like stabbing." Describes a piercing or stinging pain, or a sharp cold wind.
It's a sharp (piercing) cold.
Describing a person who is quick-witted, clever, or perceptive.
Idiomatic phrase meaning "sharp-minded" or "quick on the uptake." Very common.
She is really sharp.
Can describe sharp insight, a keen observation, or a sharp question.
Noun meaning a sharp, capable person. Slightly literary or old-fashioned but still used.
Means clear-headed, sharp, on the ball. Often used in the negative: 冴えない (dull, not sharp).
My mind is sharp today.
Describing a sudden change in direction, a steep curve, or an acute angle.
Describing a sudden, steep rise or fall in numbers, prices, etc.
Describing a strong, pungent, or acidic taste/smell, like cheese, vinegar, or ammonia.
Means stimulating, pungent, sharp. Used for strong flavors, smells, or experiences.
This cheese has a sharp taste.
Primarily means spicy hot, but can also describe a sharp, pungent taste like horseradish or strong mustard.
Means sour. In some contexts, a sharp taste might be described as sour, like vinegar.
Describing a clear, distinct difference between two things.
Means vivid, clear, distinct. Used for sharp contrasts, clear images, or distinct memories.
There is a sharp contrast between the two opinions.
Means clear, distinct. Very common in everyday speech.
His position is sharp (clear).
Describing keen senses, especially vision or hearing.
While 鋭い (surudoi) is the most direct translation, it doesn't cover all meanings of "sharp." For sharp turns, use 急な (kyū na); for sharp-minded, use 頭が切れる (atama ga kireru); for sharp taste, use 刺激的な (shigekiteki na). Using 鋭い for a sharp curve or a sharp cheese would sound unnatural.
切れる (kireru) focuses on cutting ability, while 鋭い (surudoi) focuses on the physical sharpness of the edge or point. A knife can be 鋭い but not 切れる if it's poorly maintained, though usually they overlap. In everyday speech, よく切れる is very common for "cuts well."
Be careful, that knife is sharp.
He made a sharp turn.
She has a sharp tongue.
Literally 'poison tongue'; a common idiom for a sharp/cutting tongue.
He has sharp hearing.
激しい痛みで目が覚めた。
I woke up with a sharp pain.
彼の指摘は鋭い。
His observation is sharp.
彼はなかなかの切れ者だ。
He is quite a sharp person.
Please be careful of the sharp change in temperature.
A sharp price increase was announced.
この大根おろしは辛い。
This grated daikon is sharp (pungent).
このドレッシングは酸っぱい。
This dressing is sharp (sour).
彼女は目ざといから、すぐに見つけるよ。
She's sharp-eyed, so she'll find it right away.