素早い

• Reading: すばやい
• Romaji: subayai
• Kanji breakdown: 素 (so/su) — plain, bare, natural (intensifying prefix); 早 (sō/haya) — quick, early
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.ba.ja.i/

Meaning

Quick; agile; nimble; swift; prompt. Describes a quality of moving or acting with impressive speed and efficiency.

An i-adjective that combines the sense of speed (早い, hayai) with an implication of dexterity and sharpness. Unlike 速い (fast, of velocity) or 早い (early/quick), 素早い emphasises the impressiveness of the quickness — a cat's pounce, a martial artist's reflexes, or a trader's decisive action. Often used in sports, martial arts, and business contexts.

Examples

1. 素早い判断が功を奏し、大きなトラブルを未然に防ぐことができた。 A quick decision paid off, and we were able to prevent a major problem before it happened.
2. 猫は素早い動きで獲物に飛びかかり、一瞬で仕留めた。 The cat pounced on its prey with a swift motion and caught it in an instant.
3. 彼女の素早い対応のおかげで、クレームが大事になる前に解決した。 Thanks to her prompt response, the complaint was resolved before it turned into a bigger issue.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, business, daily life, action

Tone: admiring

Origin & History

Compound of 素 (su, plain/bare/natural, here used as an intensifying prefix) and 早い (hayai, quick/early). The 素 prefix adds a sense of natural, instinctive quickness — speed that requires no effort.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General