素早い
subayai[sɨba̠ja̠i]
The Japanese word for nimble is 素早い (subayai).
素早い is used to describe someone or something that is quick and light in movement or action.
Meaning: quick and light in movement or action (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
subayai
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese theater, the 'nimble' movements of a character are often achieved through 'mie', a dramatic pose that freezes a quick action to emphasize its energy.
- The first character in 素早い also appears in 素人 (shirouto), meaning 'amateur'. In this context, 素 refers to something in its 'raw' or 'natural' state.
- In martial arts like Aikido, being 'nimble' is not about speed but about 間 (ma), the mastery of space and timing between two people.
Examples in context
- 彼は素早い動きをした。Kare wa subayai ugoki o shita.He made quick movements.
- 猫の反応はとても素早い。Neko no hannou wa totemo subayai.The cat's reaction is very quick.
- 素早い判断が必要だ。Subayai handan ga hitsuyou da.A quick judgment is necessary.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Ren are watching a sports game together.
- 陽葵 Himariあの選手は本当に素早いね。Ano senshu wa hontou ni subayai ne.That player is really nimble, isn't he?
- 蓮 Renそうだね。反応がすごくいい。Sou da ne. Hannou ga sugoku ii.You're right. His reactions are great.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮くんもあんな風に動ける？Ren-kun mo anna fuu ni ugokeru?Can you move like that, Ren?
- 蓮 Ren無理だよ。僕は全然ダメだ。Muri da yo. Boku wa zenzen dame da.No way. I'm not good at that at all.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 素早い, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
