快

Etymology & Components

The Chinese character 快 (kuài) for "fast" is composed of two parts: the radical ⻌ (bù) and the phonetic component 夬 (guài). The radical ⻌ (bù) originally meant "to step on" or "to walk," and it is often used in characters related to movement or speed. The phonetic component 夬 (guài) is a simplified form of the character 决 (jué), which means "to decide" or "to cut off." When combined, the two components of 快 (kuài) create a character that conveys the idea of "moving quickly" or "cutting through something swiftly."The character 快 (kuài) has a rich history and has been used in Chinese literature and poetry for centuries. It is often used to describe the speed of a person, animal, or object, as well as the feeling of joy or excitement. For example, the phrase 一路顺风 (yī lù shùn fēng) means "一路顺风," and the phrase 心花怒放 (xīn huā nù fàng) means "to be overjoyed."In addition to its literal meaning, 快 (kuài) can also be used in a figurative sense to describe something that is quick or efficient. For example, the phrase 快刀斩乱麻 (kuài dāo zhǎn luàn má) means "to cut through red tape," and the phrase 快马加鞭 (kuài mǎ jiā biān) means "to spur on a fast horse."Overall, the character 快 (kuài) is a versatile and expressive character that can be used in a variety of contexts to convey the idea of speed, joy, or efficiency.