Translation guide
The English adverb "swiftly" describes doing something quickly, smoothly, and without delay. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs and mimetic words, each with its own nuance and typical contexts.
To describe an action done with speed and ease, without hesitation or difficulty.
The most common and versatile adverb for 'swiftly'. It implies both speed and agility, often used for physical movements or reactions.
He stood up swiftly.
The cat fled swiftly.
More formal than 素早く, often used in official or business contexts to mean 'promptly' or 'without delay'. It emphasizes smooth, efficient action.
We will resolve the issue swiftly.
Similar to 速やかに, but even more formal and often used in technical or emergency contexts. Implies rapid, efficient response.
The fire brigade responded swiftly.
A mimetic adverb suggesting a quick, light, and often graceful movement. It can also mean 'briefly' or 'with a sweep'.
She left the room swiftly.
He glanced swiftly through the documents.
To emphasize that an action happens right away, with no waiting or hesitation.
The most common word for 'immediately' or 'right away'. It focuses on the lack of delay rather than the speed of the action itself.
I'll be back swiftly.
He replied swiftly.
Implies doing something promptly, often with a sense of eagerness or taking the first opportunity. Common in both speech and writing.
Very formal and authoritative, often used in commands, announcements, or legal contexts. Means 'at once' or 'forthwith'.
To describe an action that is not only quick but also energetic and cheerful.
A mimetic word for doing things briskly, efficiently, and without dawdling. Often used for work or tasks.
She gave instructions swiftly and efficiently.
Similar to てきぱき, but with a nuance of liveliness and crispness. Often describes a person's demeanor or movements.
To emphasize the abruptness or sharpness of a quick action.
Already introduced, but also fits here for sudden, sweeping actions.
The wind swept through swiftly.
Mimetic for a sudden, quick action, often with a sense of brightness or spreading. Can mean 'in a flash'.
Implies doing something quickly and without fuss, sometimes with a nuance of impatience or 'just get it over with'. Can sound blunt.
Can sound rude or dismissive if used to describe someone else's actions.
All three mean 'swiftly', but differ in formality and nuance. 素早く is the most general and can be used in casual speech. 速やかに is formal and often used in business or official settings. 迅速に is even more formal and often used in technical, emergency, or news contexts.
Words like さっと, てきぱき, and ぱっと are very common in spoken Japanese and add vividness. They often pair with the particle と (e.g., さっと, てきぱきと) when used adverbially, though と can be omitted in casual speech.
早速ですが、本題に入りましょう。
Let's get down to business swiftly.
He set to work swiftly.
直ちに避難してください。
Evacuate swiftly.
彼はきびきびと歩いていた。
He was walking swiftly and briskly.
He sprang up swiftly.
さっさと片付けなさい。
Clean up swiftly.