速度
sokudo[so̞kɯ̟do̞]
In Japanese, the word for speed is 速度 (sokudo). If unsure, use 速度. Wiktionary also lists 速さ (hayasa) and 速力 (sokuryoku).
Meaning: rate of motion (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 速度 | sokudo | [so̞kɯ̟do̞] (narrow) |
| 速さ | hayasa | [ha̠ja̠sa̠] (narrow) |
| 速力 | sokuryoku | [so̞kɯ̟ɾʲo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
The different forms of the word for speed are chosen based on whether you are describing a general quality, a technical measurement or a physical capacity for movement.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 速度 is composed of 速, meaning fast and 度, meaning degree or extent.
Which one should you use?
速度 is used for technical, scientific or official contexts, such as a vehicle's velocity or a speed limit. 速さ is used for a general, descriptive sense of speed. 速力 refers to the capacity for speed or the power of movement, and is often used in phrases like 'full speed'.
How do you pronounce it?
sokudo
Did you know?
- The word 速力 contains the kanji 力, which means 'power'. This implies that the speed being discussed is not just a measurement, but a reflection of the physical strength or engine capacity behind the movement.
- The character 度 in 速度 translates to 'degree', meaning that when you talk about technical speed, you are literally talking about the 'degree of fastness'.
Examples in context
- 制限速度ってある？Is there a speed limit?This sentence uses 速度 to ask about a speed limit.Tatoeba #10540446 by small_snow, translation #10540440 by sundown
- 機体は速度を上げた。The plane increased speed.This sentence uses 速度 to describe an increase in speed.Tatoeba #10863025 by bunbuku, translation #318084 by CK
- トムは全速力で走った。Tom ran at full speed.This sentence uses 速力 to describe running at full speed.Tatoeba #2706851 by tommy_san, translation #3056611 by WestofEden
- 彼のバイクのスピードは危険です。The speed of his motorcycle is dangerous.
- あの走者の速度は本当に速い！That runner's speed is really fast!
- 彼の車は速いです。His car is fast.
- 非常に速いVery fast
- とても遅いExtremely slow
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are talking about their new electric scooters.
- 陽太 Yotaこのスクーター、最高速度はどれくらい？Kono sukūtā, saikō sokudo wa dore kurai?What is the maximum speed of this scooter?
- 美咲 Misaki時速20キロだよ。十分速いと思う。Jisoku nijū kiro dayo. Jūbun hayai to omou.It is 20 kilometers per hour. I think that's fast enough.
- 陽太 Yota速度を上げすぎると危ないね。Sokudo o agesugiru to abunai ne.It's dangerous if you increase the speed too much.
- 美咲 Misakiそうだね。安全に走ろう。Sō dane. Anzen ni hashirō.You're right. Let's ride safely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speed” translations and entries 速度, 速さ, 速力, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 速さ, 速力, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
