快 (kuài) — fast / quick
HSK 1 | adjective, adverb | fast, quick, quickly, soon
快 (kuài)
An adjective and adverb meaning "fast," "quick," or "soon." As an adjective, it describes speed. As an adverb before a verb, it means "quickly" or "hurry up." Its antonym is 慢 (màn), meaning "slow."
Meanings
- [adjective] Fast, quick, speedy.
- [adverb] Quickly, soon (describing how something happens or urging speed).
Example Sentences
他跑得很快。 Tā pǎo de hěn kuài. He runs very fast.
快点，要迟到了！ Kuài diǎn, yào chídào le! Hurry up, we are going to be late!
这辆车开得很快。 Zhè liàng chē kāi de hěn kuài. This car drives very fast.
快到了，还有两站。 Kuài dào le, hái yǒu liǎng zhàn. Almost there, just two more stops.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 很快 | very fast / very soon |
| 快点 | hurry up, faster |
| 快乐 | happy (lit. fast joy) |
| 快来 | come quickly |
| 飞快 | extremely fast |
| 速度快 | speed is fast |
Memory Hook
Antonym of 慢 (màn, slow). 快 has the 心 (heart) radical — when your heart races, you move fast. A racing heart means urgency and speed.