速読

• Reading: そくどく
• Romaji: sokudoku
• Kanji breakdown: 速 (soku) — fast, rapid; 読 (doku) — reading
• Pronunciation: /so.kɯ.do.kɯ/

Meaning

Speed reading; rapid reading. A technique for reading text much faster than normal while aiming to maintain comprehension.

A compound noun and verb (速読する). Speed reading techniques include scanning, skimming, and reducing subvocalisation. In Japan, 速読 has been popularised through dedicated training schools and commercial programmes. It contrasts with 精読 (seidoku — close reading) and is valued for competitive exam preparation and business contexts. The efficacy of extreme speed reading for deep comprehension remains a subject of debate among researchers.

Examples

1. 速読のトレーニングを始めてから、一週間で本一冊読めるようになった。 Since I started speed reading training, I've been able to read one book per week.
2. 試験前には速読で重要な箇所だけを拾い読みする。 Before exams, I speed read through just the important sections.
3. 速読と精読をうまく使い分けることが効率的な勉強法の鍵だ。 The key to efficient studying is knowing how to properly alternate between speed reading and close reading.

Usage Guide

Context: study skills, self-improvement, exam preparation

Tone: practical

Origin & History

From 速 (soku — fast, rapid) and 読 (doku — reading). A transparent modern compound formed on the model of similar speed-related compounds such as 速記 (shorthand) and 速算 (rapid calculation).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Students, professionals

Social background: Universal