急速

• Reading: きゅうそく
• Romaji: kyuusoku
• Kanji breakdown: 急 (kyuu) — sudden, fast; 速 (soku) — speed, quick
• Pronunciation: /kjɯː.so.kɯ/

Meaning

Rapid; swift; fast-paced. Describes progress or change happening at high speed.

A na-adjective/noun emphasising the speed of change or development. Takes な before nouns (急速な発展, rapid development) and に as an adverb (急速に広がる, to spread rapidly). Commonly used in contexts of technological progress, economic growth, and social change. More neutral than 急激, which implies intensity as well.

Examples

1. テクノロジーの急速な発展に驚かされる。 I overworked myself, so I got plenty of rest today.
2. 高齢化が急速に進んでいる。 Rest is the most important thing for recovering your health.
3. 急速に変わる社会についていくのは大変だ。 The exams are over, so I can rest a little.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, society, economics

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 急 (kyuu, sudden/fast) and 速 (soku, speed). 急 conveys urgency, while 速 combines 辶 (movement) and 束 (bundle), suggesting swift, bundled motion — moving quickly and efficiently.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal