How to say "swift" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 素早いすばやいi-adjectiveCovers swift, nimble movement or reaction — the agile side of 'swift'. Typical of animals, athletes, or a person's quick reflexes and responses.
- 迅速じんそくna-adjective, nounSwift in the sense of speedy handling of affairs: quick responses, decisions, or procedures. The natural choice in business and official contexts when work is done without delay.
- 早いはやいi-adjectiveThe ordinary, all-purpose word for speed; when 'swift' simply means fast, this is the everyday default. Note that it also covers 'early', so context decides the reading.
- ＳＷＩＦＴスウィフトnounNot a translation of the adjective at all: this is the proper name of the international interbank financial network. Only relevant when 'swift' appears capitalized in a banking or payments context.
- 速やかすみやかna-adjectiveSwift in the sense of 'prompt': used for action taken without delay. At home in written notices, instructions, and requests that something be done promptly.
Use 「素早い」 for nimble physical quickness, 「早い」 as the plain everyday word for speed, 迅速 and 「速やか」 for prompt handling of matters, and ＳＷＩＦＴ only for the banking network.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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