How to say "agile" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 身軽みがるna-adjectiveDescribes the physical sense of agile: light and nimble in one's movements, quick on one's feet. Fits an acrobat, a dancer, or anyone who dodges, climbs, or slips through tight spots with ease.
- 手早いてばやいi-adjectiveNot about bodily agility: it describes handling tasks quickly and deftly, finishing work briskly and without wasted motion. The 'agile' here is efficiency in getting things done, not nimble movement of the body.
- 素早いすばやいi-adjectiveCovers quick, swift movement and fast reactions — the general word when agile means swift or nimble rather than merely light. Fits both physical motion and quick responses.
- 機動きどうprenominal modifierA noun, not an adjective: it denotes mobility and quick response rather than a person's nimble movement, so it is seldom the word you want for 'agile'.
- 軽いかるいi-adjectiveThe basic word for 'light' in weight or degree; its 'agile' sense appears only in phrases about lightness of foot or movement, so it is rarely the word you want for 'agile' alone.
For agile movement or reactions use 「素早い」, for light, nimble bodily movement 身軽, and for brisk, deft handling of tasks 「手早い」, while 機動 and 「軽い」 are seldom the direct equivalent.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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