เร็ว
fast
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 fast、quick
A basic word for something taking little time. It can describe high speed, quick action, or an event happening early.
fast、quick
Describes a person, object, vehicle, or process that moves or progresses at high speed.
-
เดินเร็วๆหน่อย dəən rew rew nɔ̀ɔy Walk a little faster. เดินเร็วๆหน่อย details
Learning notes
Explanation
The central idea of เร็ว is that something takes little time. After a noun, it describes the speed or character of that person or thing: รถเร็ว means “a fast car.” After a verb, it describes how the action is performed: วิ่งเร็ว means “run fast.” It can also refer to timing rather than speed. Depending on context, มาเร็ว can mean either “come early” or “come quickly.” เร็วมาก means “very fast” or “very early,” เร็วขึ้น means “faster” or “earlier,” and เร็วที่สุด can mean “the fastest” or “as soon as possible.” Common expressions include เร็วๆ หน่อย, used to urge someone to hurry, and เร็วๆ นี้, meaning “soon.”
Usage
เร็วม is used throughout everyday life to discuss the speed of vehicles, people, speech, eating, work, and other actions. It also describes early arrival or something happening too soon. Repeated forms are common when urging someone to hurry, as in เร็วๆ หน่อย, or referring to the near future, as in เร็วๆ นี้.
Caution
เร็ว can refer to either speed or early timing, so the intended meaning depends on context. By itself, it does not necessarily mean “immediately”; ทันที is clearer when no delay is allowed. เร็วเข้า! can sound forceful, while เร็วๆ หน่อย is a softer way to ask someone to hurry.
Differences from similar words
1 fast synonyms
-
รวดเร็ว means “rapid” or “prompt” and is common in more formal descriptions and writing. เร็ว is the more basic, everyday word.
-
ไว often suggests alertness or agility and is somewhat more conversational. เร็ว is the general-purpose word for speed, quick action, and early timing.