“Fast” in Japanese is 速い (はやい), pronounced hayai.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
Fast in speed. “Early” is the same sound with the kanji 早い.
Example sentences
- 新幹線は速いです。しんかんせんははやいです。The shinkansen is fast.
- 彼は話すのが速いです。かれははなすのがはやいです。He talks fast.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 速い. The rules are explained in い- vs. な-adjectives.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Plain | 速い はやい | fast |
| Polite present | 速いです はやいです | is fast |
| Negative | 速くないです はやくないです | isn’t fast |
| Past | 速かったです はやかったです | was fast |
| Past negative | 速くなかったです はやくなかったです | wasn’t fast |
| て-form | 速くて はやくて | fast and… |
| Adverb (く) | 速く はやく | adverb form (+ verb) |
Quick practice
Test yourself0/3
What does {{速い}} mean?
How do you read {{速い}}?
Which word means “slow”?
Related words: Adjectives
FAQ
How do you say fast in Japanese?
Fast in Japanese is 速い (はやい), pronounced “hayai”.
How do you write fast in Japanese?
It's written 速い with kanji, or はやい in hiragana. Both are read hayai.
Is 速い on the JLPT?
Yes. 速い (hayai) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.