高速

• Reading: こうそく
• Romaji: kousoku
• Kanji breakdown: 高 (kou) — high, tall, expensive; 速 (soku) — speed, fast
• Pronunciation: /koː.so.kɯ/

Meaning

High speed; express. Describes rapid movement or fast-paced systems and infrastructure.

Functions as a na-adjective, no-adjective, and noun. Most commonly encountered in 高速道路 (kousoku douro, expressway/motorway) and 高速バス (kousoku basu, highway bus). Also used for technology: 高速インターネット (high-speed internet). Shortened to 高速 alone often refers to the expressway itself in conversation.

Examples

1. 高速道路が渋滞していて遅れた。 The police detained the suspect.
2. このパソコンは高速で処理ができる。 This job has long hours of obligation.
3. 高速バスで東京から大阪まで行った。 I don't want to be bound by rules.

Usage Guide

Context: transportation, technology, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 高 (kou, high/tall) and 速 (soku, speed/fast). 高 depicts a tall building structure, and 速 combines 辶 (movement) and 束 (bundle) — moving at an elevated pace.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal