Japanese word

軽快

Pronunciation

Romajikeikai

Meaning

  • na-adjectivenimble

Example

選手の動きは軽快です。sen shu no ugo ki wa kei kai de su

The athlete's movements are nimble.

Illustration for 軽快 (nimble)

More examples

司会者は軽快に話します。shi kai sha wa kei kai ni hana shi ma su

The host speaks briskly.

Core concept

Expresses a lively quality in which actions move smoothly and quickly without seeming forced.

Common phrases

  • 軽快な動きkei kai na ugo ki

    nimble movements

  • 軽快に動くkei kai ni ugo ku

    move nimbly

  • 軽快な音楽kei kai na on gaku

    lively music

Similar words

身軽migaru: Describes a person or movement that can move easily and nimbly without feeling weighed down.
軽やかkaroyaka: Describes movement, rhythm, or sound that has a light and buoyant quality.
敏捷binshō: Describes the ability to move quickly and accurately in response to changing conditions.

Definition in Japanese

動作や進み方が軽やかで、きびきびしているさま。dō sa ya susu mi kata ga karo ya ka de ki bi ki bi shi te i ru sa ma

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 軽快 (keikai) joins 軽 (kei, "light") with 快 (kai, "pleasant"), linking physical lightness with a pleasing effect.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 軽快 (keikai) can describe a tune or rhythm that feels brisk and buoyant, not only a person's movements.

Other meanings

  • lightna-adjective
  • sprightlyna-adjective

Opposites

  • 鈍重donjūsluggishna-adjective

Related words

  • 軽快さkeikaisanimblenessnoun

Word lists with this word