Meaning
The kanji 迅 (じん) primarily means swift, rapid, or quick. It conveys a sense of high speed, often implying a sudden or decisive movement or action. Unlike other kanji for speed, 迅 often carries a nuance of intensity or urgency in its rapidity. It is frequently used in compound words to describe promptness, alacrity, or a blazing speed, such as in 迅速 (jinsoku) for a quick response.
Historically, 迅 is a phono-semantic compound. It is composed of two main elements: the radical 辶 (しんにょう - shinnyou) on the left, which is typically associated with movement, walking, or paths; and the component 卂 on the right. The 辶 radical literally represents "to walk" or "movement," directly contributing to the idea of motion. The component 卂 (pronounced xùn in Chinese) is thought to primarily provide the sound. Additionally, it visually suggests stretching out or a bird in flight, reinforcing the notion of speed. When these two parts are combined, they vividly illustrate rapid movement or a quick stride. The combination strongly emphasizes a high degree of speed, often sudden and decisive.
The kanji 迅 has a stroke count of 7 strokes. As an N1 level kanji, it is not assigned a specific school grade in Japan. This signifies its advanced usage, beyond the scope of compulsory education.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main, and nearly exclusive, On'yomi reading for 迅 is ジン (jin). This reading is always used in compound words, emphasizing the kanji's meaning of swiftness or rapidity. You will rarely encounter 迅 as a standalone kanji with this reading; its true expressive power emerges in combination with other characters to create precise expressions of speed and promptness.
- 迅速 (jinsoku) — This is perhaps the most common compound, meaning swift, rapid, prompt. It is frequently used to describe actions, responses, or processes that need to be done quickly and efficiently. For example, 迅速な対応 (jinsoku na taiou - a swift response).
- 迅雷 (jinrai) — Literally meaning swift thunder, this compound is often used metaphorically to describe something that happens with the speed and power of lightning. It evokes a sudden and overwhelming force. For example, 迅雷のごとく (jinrai no gotoku - like a bolt of lightning).
- 迅猛 (jinmou) — This compound translates to swift and fierce or sudden and violent. It is often used to describe movements, attacks, or changes that are not only fast but also forceful and intense. For example, 迅猛な攻撃 (jinmou na kougeki - a swift and fierce attack).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 迅 does not have a widely used, standalone Kun'yomi reading in modern Japanese. It is almost exclusively used as part of On'yomi compound words to convey its meaning. While its meaning is closely associated with native Japanese words for "fast" like はやい (hayai) or "to fly" like とぶ (tobu), these are not direct Kun'yomi of 迅 itself. This underscores its primary function as a building block in more formal or specialized vocabulary.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 迅 is a key component in various compound words, often used to convey ideas of speed, promptness, and intensity. Here are some common examples, categorized by their thematic usage:
Actions & Responses
- 迅速 (jinsoku) — Swift, rapid, prompt. Often used for actions or processes requiring quick execution.
Example: 迅速な対応 (jinsoku na taiou) — a swift response.
- 迅速に処理する (jinsoku ni shori suru) — To process swiftly or promptly.
Example: 書類を迅速に処理する (shorui o jinsoku ni shori suru) — to process documents swiftly.
Speed & Force
- 迅雷 (jinrai) — Swift thunder, lightning speed. Used metaphorically for extreme speed or suddenness.
Example: 迅雷のごとく現れる (jinrai no gotoku arawareru) — to appear like a bolt of lightning.
- 迅猛 (jinmou) — Swift and fierce, sudden and violent. Describes movements or attacks with both speed and power.
Example: 迅猛な勢い (jinmou na ikioi) — swift and fierce momentum.
- 迅足 (jinsoku) — Swift-footedness, rapid pace. Refers to the speed of movement, especially by foot. Note the difference in the second kanji (足 for foot vs. 速 for speed) compared to 迅速.
Example: 彼の迅足ぶりには驚いた (kare no jinsoku-buri ni wa odoroita) — I was surprised by his swiftness.
Development & Occurrence
- 迅化 (jinka) — Rapid evolution or change. Often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe accelerated development.
Example: 生物の迅化 (seibutsu no jinka) — rapid evolution of organisms.
- 迅発 (jinhatsu) — Rapid occurrence, sudden outbreak. Implies something happening quickly and unexpectedly.
Example: 流行病の迅発 (ryuukoubyou no jinhatsu) — a sudden outbreak of an epidemic.
Specific & Literary Uses
- 迅捷 (jinshou) — Swift and agile. More literary, describing someone or something that is both fast and nimble.
Example: 迅捷な身動き (jinshou na miugoki) — swift and agile movements.
- 機動迅雷 (kidou jinrai) — Swift and sudden maneuver. Often used in military or strategic contexts.
Example: 機動迅雷の戦術 (kidou jinrai no senjutsu) — a swift and sudden maneuver strategy.
- 迅応 (jin'ou) — Swift response. Similar to 迅速な対応 but perhaps slightly more formal or technical.
Example: 市場の変化に迅応する (shijou no henka ni jin'ou suru) — to respond swiftly to market changes.
Example Sentences
その問題には迅速な対応が求められている。
Sono mondai ni wa jinsoku na taiou ga motomerarete iru.
A swift response is required for that problem.
迅雷のごとく、彼は現場に駆けつけた。
Jinrai no gotoku, kare wa genba ni kaketsuketa.
He rushed to the scene like a bolt of lightning.
迅速な判断が、その事態を救った。
Jinsoku na handan ga, sono jitai o sukutta.
A swift decision saved the situation.
このソフトウェアは迅速なデータ処理が可能です。
Kono sofutouea wa jinsoku na deeta shori ga kanou desu.
This software is capable of swift data processing.
変化の迅速な時代に適応する必要がある。
Henka no jinsoku na jidai ni tekiou suru hitsuyou ga aru.
It is necessary to adapt to an era of rapid change.
迅猛な勢いで、市場シェアを拡大している。
Jinmou na ikioi de, shijou shea o kakudai shite iru.
They are rapidly and fiercely expanding their market share.
彼の迅足ぶりには皆が驚いた。
Kare no jinsoku-buri ni wa mina ga odoroita.
Everyone was surprised by his swiftness.
災害時には、迅速な救助活動が不可欠だ。
Saigaiji ni wa, jinsoku na kyuujo katsudou ga fukaketsu da.
In times of disaster, swift rescue operations are indispensable.
警察は事件発生から迅速な捜査を開始した。
Keisatsu wa jiken hassei kara jinsoku na sousa o kaishi shita.
The police began a swift investigation immediately after the incident occurred.
プロジェクトの成功は情報の迅速な共有にかかっている。
Purojekuto no seikou wa jouhou no jinsoku na kyouyuu ni kakatte iru.
The success of the project depends on the swift sharing of information.
Memory Tip
To remember 迅, consider its constituent parts: the walking/movement radical 辶 (shinnyō) on the left, and the component 卂 on the right. Imagine the 辶 radical as a winding road or a path taken by someone in motion. The right side, 卂, can be visualized as a person stretching out their legs in a powerful stride, or perhaps a stylized bird taking flight. Combining these images, think of someone moving so quickly along a path (辶) that their legs are almost blurring or stretching out like wings (卂), resulting in an image of incredible swiftness or rapidity. This combination of "movement" and "stretching/flying" offers a potent mental image of speed and quickness.