1. Character Basics
2. Pronunciation
3. Meaning
- Fast, quick, rapid
- Pleased, happy, joyful
- Soon, shortly
- Sharp (of knives, etc.)
- To hurry up
4. Common Words
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "快" has multiple meanings in Chinese. It can be used as an adjective meaning "fast" or "quick", as an adjective describing a feeling of happiness, or as an adverb meaning "soon" or "shortly".
他跑得很快。(Tā pǎo de hěn kuài.) - He runs very fast.
这是一辆快车。(Zhè shì yī liàng kuài chē.) - This is an express train.
我们都很快乐。(Wǒmen dōu hěn kuàilè.) - We are all very happy.
他们很快就会到。(Tāmen hěn kuài jiù huì dào.) - They will arrive soon.
快点！我们要迟到了。(Kuài diǎn! Wǒmen yào chídào le.) - Hurry up! We're going to be late.
6. Cultural Background
The character "快" is formed by combining "忄" (xīn, heart) and "夬" (guài, to decide). Originally meaning "happy" or "pleased" (related to the heart), it later developed the meaning of "fast" or "quick", likely through the association of a quick heart with excitement or happiness.
In Chinese culture, the concept of "快" (fast) has become increasingly important in modern times with the rapid development of technology and society. Phrases like "快速发展" (rapid development) and "快节奏" (fast pace) are commonly used to describe contemporary life.
However, there is also a traditional Chinese philosophical perspective that values balance and warns against being too hasty. The saying "欲速则不达" (Haste makes waste) reflects this wisdom.
7. Example Sentence
虽然工作很忙，但我们依然保持快乐的心情。
Although work is very busy, we still maintain a happy mood.
8. Memory Tips
To remember the character "快", look at its structure: it consists of "忄" (xīn, heart) and "夬" (guài, to decide). You can imagine your heart (忄) making quick decisions (夬), which makes you feel happy or causes you to move fast. The pronunciation "kuài" is similar to "块" (kuài, piece) but with a different meaning.
Another way to remember it is to associate it with the common phrase "快乐" (kuàilè, happy) and think of something that makes you feel happy and excited.