Translation guide
The English word "swift" can describe speed, quickness, or suddenness. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on whether you mean fast movement, a short duration, or a prompt response.
Describing something or someone that moves or acts with great speed.
The most common and versatile adjective for 'swift' in the sense of quick, nimble movement or action. Can be used for people, animals, or things.
He dodged his opponent with a swift movement.
Cats are very swift animals.
A more formal adjective often used in business or official contexts to mean swift, prompt, or expeditious. Emphasizes efficiency and lack of delay.
Thank you for your swift response.
The general word for 'fast' or 'quick'. Can be used for speed of movement, but is broader than 'swift'. Often implies high speed rather than nimbleness.
He is swift of foot. (He runs fast.)
Literary expression meaning 'like a gale', used to describe something extremely swift and powerful.
They overwhelmed the enemy with a swift attack like a gale.
Describing an event, response, or change that occurs very soon or immediately.
Used to describe a swift action taken right after something else, often with a nuance of 'without hesitation' or 'promptly'. Common in business emails.
Thank you for your swift reply.
Means 'immediate' or 'instant'. Stronger than 早速, emphasizing zero delay. Often used for reactions or decisions.
As above, also fits here for formal contexts emphasizing promptness.
A swift response is required.
Describing a brief visit, moment, or period of time.
Describing how an action is performed: in a swift manner.
The adverbial form of 素早い. The most natural way to say 'swiftly' for nimble, quick actions.
He swiftly ran away.
Adverbial form of 迅速, used in formal contexts for acting swiftly and efficiently.
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'quickly' or 'swiftly', often used for light, smooth movements.
素早い (subayai) emphasizes nimbleness and agility, often for living things. 速い (hayai) is general 'fast' for speed. 迅速 (jinsoku) is formal and focuses on promptness without delay. Use 素早い for 'swift' in most everyday contexts.
swift movement (agile)
fast car (high speed)
swift response (prompt, formal)
English 'swift' is about speed, not about being early in time. Do not use 早い (hayai, meaning 'early') to translate 'swift'. 早い refers to time (e.g., early morning), while 速い refers to speed.
The swift current carried the boat away.
She gave a swift reply.
He made a swift decision.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'without a moment's delay' or 'in the blink of an eye'. Used for extremely swift reactions.
He countered with a swift rebuttal.
We enjoyed a swift moment of rest.
They swiftly resolved the issue.
He stood up swiftly.