Definitions

kuài (adjective) fast; quick; rapid
kuài (adverb) soon; almost
kuài (adjective) sharp; clever
kuài (adjective) pleased; happy

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The left-side radical 忄 (xīn), a variant of the heart radical, situates the character's core meaning within the realm of emotions and psychological states. The right component 夬 (guài) serves as the phonetic element. Its original sense denoted gladness or cheerfulness. This feeling of eager delight naturally extended to imply swift, energetic action, giving rise to its secondary and now dominant meaning of speed or quickness. While modern usage primarily employs 快 for high velocity, its original sense of happiness remains active in common compounds expressing joy and pleasure.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

点过来!

Kuài diǎn guòlái!

Come over here quickly!

我今天很乐。

Wǒ jīntiān hěn kuàilè.

I am very happy today.

火车跑得真

Huǒchē pǎo de zhēn kuài.

The train runs really fast.

递员送来了包裹。

Kuàidì yuán sòng láile bāoguǒ.

The courier delivered the package.

把作业写完。

Nǐ kuài bǎ zuòyè xiě wán.

Finish your homework quickly.

时间过得极了。

Shíjiān guò de kuài jíle.

Time passes extremely quickly.

祝你生日乐!

Zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè!

Happy birthday to you!

点起床,不然就要迟到了。

Kuài diǎn qǐchuáng, bùrán jiù yào chídàole.

Get up quickly, or you will be late.