速度

• Pinyin: sù dù
• Hanzi breakdown: 速 = 辶 (walk) + 束 (bundle, phonetic), meaning rapid; 度 = 广 (shelter) + 廿 + 又, a unit of measure

Meaning

Speed; velocity; rate. Refers to how fast something moves or how quickly something happens.

Used in everyday language, sports, science, and technology. Can describe physical speed or the rate of progress (工作速度, work speed). Very common and versatile.

Examples

1. 请把车的速度降下来。 Please reduce the speed of the car.
2. 他跑步的速度很快。 He runs very fast.
3. 网络速度越来越快了。 Internet speed is getting faster and faster.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, sports, technology

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你开车的速度太快了。(You are driving too fast.)
• 这个项目的进展速度很快。(This project is progressing very quickly.)

Don't Say

• 他说话的速度很大。(Don't use 大 with 速度 — use 快 (fast) or 慢 (slow) instead. Speed is described as fast or slow, not big or small.)

Origin & History

速 (fast/speed) + 度 (degree/measure). Together they express a measurable rate of movement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal