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道Nihongo Path
速

速·fast

On-yomi
ソク
Kun-yomi
はやいすみやか

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

10 strokes, numbered in writing order. Data: KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
速いはやいfast (in speed)
速度そくどspeed
高速道路こうそくどうろexpressway
早速さっそくat once, without delay

Example sentences

  1. この電車はとても速いです。

    このでんしゃはとてもはやいです。

    This train is very fast.

  2. 高速道路が事故で込んでいます。

    こうそくどうろがじこでこんでいます。

    The expressway is jammed because of an accident.

  3. 早速返事をくれてありがとう。

    さっそくへんじをくれてありがとう。

    Thanks for replying so quickly.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • 速い is about speed, 早い is about time being early — 足が速い but 朝が早い
  • Reading 早速 as そうそく — it is さっそく

Memory aid

Picture it

The road radical 辶 with a tied bundle 束 — carry everything in one bundle and you can move fast.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 速 mean?