Translation and Meaning of: 鋭い - surudoi

The Japanese word 鋭い (するどい) is an adjective that carries rich and subtle meanings, going beyond the simple translation of "sharp" or "pointed." If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding the use and depth of this expression can open doors to more authentic communication. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, everyday applications, and even cultural curiosities that surround it. Here at Suki Nihongo, we always strive to provide accurate and useful information for your learning.

Meaning and Use of 鋭い

鋭い is a versatile adjective that can describe anything from physical objects to abstract characteristics. In the literal sense, it refers to something sharp, like a knife (ナイフは鋭い) or an acute angle. However, its most interesting use is in the figurative field, where it can indicate insight, as in 鋭い質問 (a penetrating question) or heightened sensitivity, like in 鋭い感覚 (refined senses).

In the Japanese language, するどい also appears in contexts that value quick perception and intelligence. For example, describing someone as 鋭い人 suggests a sharp person, capable of analyzing situations with clarity. This duality between the concrete and the abstract makes this word a powerful expressive tool.

Origin and Composition of Kanji

The kanji 鋭 is composed of the radical 金 (gold, metal) and the component 兑, which anciently represented something "sharp." This combination is no coincidence: metals were used to create sharp blades, hence the association with the concept of sharpness. The reading するどい is one of the several possible readings for this character, which can also be read as "ei" in compounds like 鋭利 (eiri - sharp).

It's worth noting that although 鋭い is the most common form, there is the variant 鋭くない (not sharp) for negations. This type of inflection is typical of i-adjectives in Japanese, following consistent grammatical patterns. For students, observing these variations helps reinforce vocabulary.

Curiosities and Memory Tips

An effective way to remember 鋭い is to associate it with everyday situations. Imagine a chef praising the perfect knife: この包丁は本当に鋭い (This knife is really sharp). Or think of a detective in Japanese dramas, always making 鋭い観察 (insightful observations). These concrete examples create lasting mental connections.

Culturally, the appreciation for precision in Japan — whether in martial arts, tea ceremony, or technology — is reflected in the frequent use of するどい. In animes like "Death Note", for example, the term appears to describe the sharp mind of the protagonist. Recognizing these appearances in media you already consume can be a fun way to reinforce learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 鋭利な (えいりな) - Sharpening, cutting
• 利口な (りこうな) - Intelligent, cunning
• 頭の切れる (あたまのきれる) - Insightful, quick to understand
• 鋭敏な (えいびん) - Extremely sensitive or perceptive
• 鋭角な (えいかくな) - Acute angle, related to geometry

鋭い

Romaji: surudoi
Kana: するどい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: pointed; clear

Meaning in English: pointed;sharp

Definition: 1. Pointed, pointed. Also, the tip is sharp. 2. You are strongly stimulated by things and have a sharp intuition.

Example Sentences - (鋭い) surudoi

See below some example sentences:

鉄片はとても鋭いです。

Teppeki wa totemo surudoi desu

Iron fragments are very sharp.

The iron part is very sharp.

• 鉄片 (tetsuhen) - piece of iron
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 鋭い (surudoi) - sharp
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

刃は鋭いです。

Jin wa surudoi desu

The blade is sharp.

The blade is clear.

• 刃 (は) - blade
• は - Topic particle
• 鋭い (するどい) - sharp
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

ナイフはとても鋭いです。

Naifu wa totemo surudoi desu

The knife is very sharp.

The knife is very sharp.

• ナイフ (naifu) - make
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 鋭い (surudoi) - sharp
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

瞬きが速い人は神経が鋭いと言われています。

Winku ga hayai hito wa shinkei ga surudoi to iwareteimasu

People with rapid blinking are said to be nervous.

• 瞬き - - blink of an eye
• が - - subject particle
• 速い - - fast
• 人 - - person
• は - - Topic particle
• 神経 - - nervous
• が - - subject particle
• 鋭い - - sharp
• と - - Quote particle
• 言われています - - it's said, it's spoken

彼は鋭い洞察力を持っています。

Kare wa surudoi dōsatsuryoku o motte imasu

It has a keen ability to insight.

He has a clear view.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 鋭い - Japanese adjective that means "sharp" or "penetrating"
• 洞察力 - Japanese noun that means "power of discernment" or "ability to deeply understand something"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 持っています - Japanese verb meaning "to have" or "to possess", conjugated in the polite and polite form