Translation and Meaning of: すばしこい - subashikoi

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about words that express agility, you may have come across すばしこい. This expression carries interesting nuances and is often used to describe quick movements or agile people. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is perceived in everyday Japanese, along with tips for memorizing it effectively.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, すばしこい is defined as a word that conveys the idea of quickness and agility, whether physical or mental. But is it common in everyday life? How does it differ from similar ? Let's uncover these details and provide practical examples to enrich your vocabulary.

Meaning and use of すばしこい.

すばしこい is a Japanese adjective that describes someone or something agile, quick, and clever. Unlike words like 速い (fast), it carries a connotation of intelligent agility, almost like physical cleverness. For example, it can be used to praise a child who moves with liveliness or an animal that escapes situations with skill.

In everyday context, it is common to hear it in informal descriptions, such as "あの子はすばしこいね" (That child is quite agile). It's worth noting that, although it is positive, in certain s it can sound a bit colloquial. Therefore, in formal situations, alternatives such as 素早い (subayai) may be more appropriate.

Origin and curiosities about the word

The etymology of すばしこい traces back to the verb すばしる (subashiru), which means "to move quickly." Over time, the adjectival form gained the suffix こい, common in expressions that denote intense characteristics. This construction is similar to other Japanese words that describe behaviors, such as うるさい (noisy) or くどい (repetitive).

An interesting fact is that すばしこい rarely appears in kanji in modern writing, being almost always represented in hiragana. This reinforces its colloquial character and distinguishes it from more formal . According to the National Institute for Japanese Language and Linguistics, its use in children's literature and informal conversations is more frequent than in academic or professional texts.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

To reinforce すばしこい, an effective technique is to associate it with images of quick movement, like a squirrel jumping between trees. The sound of the word also helps: notice how "すば" resembles something that escapes quickly, while "しこい" conveys the idea of persistence. This phonetic combination reflects the meaning well.

When practicing, try creating simple sentences like "猫がすばしこく逃げた" (The cat escaped quickly). Avoid confusing it with すばやい (subayai), which has a more neutral tone. A good strategy is to note real examples of dialogues in dramas or manga, where the word often appears in contexts of action or quick praises.