もっと早く
motto hayaku
The English word "earlier" can be translated into Japanese as もっと早く (motto hayaku).
もっと早く is used to mean previously, before now or sooner. In informal conversation, the component hayaku can be used to express the need to do something sooner or earlier.
Meaning: previously, before now, sooner (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of motto (more) and hayaku (early/quickly).
Which one should you use?
While もっと早く is used in a comparative sense to mean "sooner" or "more early", the word さっき is used to refer to a specific point in the recent past, such as "earlier today" (a little while ago).
How do you pronounce it?
motto hayaku
Did you know?
- The kanji for 'early' 早 is visually distinct from the kanji for 'fast' 速, even though they are both read as hayai in many contexts. This creates a hidden orthographic distinction between 'sooner' and 'quicker'.
- Japanese has a word sakihodo which is a highly formal version of さっき. Using さっき in a business meeting instead of sakihodo can sound surprisingly blunt or rude to a superior.
- In Japanese, the word hayai is used to describe a person who is 'precocious' or developed beyond their years. This is a metaphorical extension of being 'early'.
Examples in context
- もっと早く来るべきだった。I should have come earlier.This sentence is useful for expressing regret about not arriving sooner using もっと早く.Tatoeba #193336 by small_snow, translation #30501 by CK
- この次はもっと早く来よう。I will come earlier next time.This sentence is useful for expressing an intention to arrive sooner in the future using もっと早く.Tatoeba #221569 by KK_kaku_, translation #58893 by CK
- あの頃はもっと早く寝てたよ。In those days, I went to bed earlier.This sentence is useful for describing a past habit of going to bed sooner using もっと早く.Tatoeba #11814986 by bunbuku, translation #44719 by CM
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are meeting for dinner at a restaurant.
- 大翔 Hirotoごめん、もっと早く来ればよかった。Gomen, motto hayaku kureba yokatta.Sorry, I should have come earlier.
- 陽葵 Himari大丈夫だよ。私も今来たところ。Daijōbu da yo. Watashi mo ima kita tokoro.It's okay. I just got here too.
- 大翔 Hiroto次はもっと早く準備するね。Tsugi wa motto hayaku junbi suru ne.I'll get ready earlier next time.
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ。まずは注文しようか。Ii yo. Mazu wa chūmon shiyō ka.That's fine. Shall we order first?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
