急激に（きゅうげきに、kyuugekini）
- rapidly

The Japanese word 急激に (きゅうげきに) means "suddenly," "rapidly," "sharply," or "drastically." It describes a change or action that happens quickly and with great intensity. It implies a swift and significant alteration. The change can be in various aspects, such as speed, degree, or amount. The implication is often that the change is somewhat unexpected or forceful. It is an adverb. ⚫︎ It suggests a change that is quick and intense. ⚫︎ It emphasizes the speed and degree of the change. ⚫︎ It often suggests a noteworthy or impactful change. ⚫︎ The change can be positive or negative.

⚫︎ 株価が急激に下落しました。 Translation: The stock price fell 急激に. ⚫︎ 彼の健康状態は急激に悪化しました。 Translation: His health deteriorated 急激に. ⚫︎ 人口が急激に増加しています。 Translation: The population is increasing 急激に.

急激に is used when describing a sudden, fast, or drastic change. It can describe changes in: ⚫︎ Physical quantities: temperature, speed, price, etc. ⚫︎ Conditions: health, weather, quality, etc. ⚫︎ Processes: growth, decline, etc. It is appropriate for both formal and informal situations, though the specific context might influence the exact phrasing of the sentence. Often, the context of the sentence clarifies the subject of change.

⚫︎ The word is typically written with the kanji 急 (きゅう - urgent, sudden), 激 (げき - violent, intense), and the hiragana particle に. ⚫︎ 急激に is always written in hiragana as きゅうげきに when used as a sentence's particle. ⚫︎ There are no common variations in the okurigana.

⚫︎ 突然 (とつぜん) - suddenly, abruptly ⚫︎ 急速に (きゅうそくに) - rapidly, swiftly ⚫︎ 激しく (はげしく) - fiercely, violently ⚫︎ めざましく (mezamashiku) - remarkably, dramatically ⚫︎ 大幅に (おおはばに) - substantially ⚫︎ 急に (きゅうに) - suddenly ⚫︎ 急激な (kyugekina) - rapid, drastic (adjectival form)

⚫︎ ゆっくりと (yukkuri to) - slowly ⚫︎ 徐々に (じょじょに) - gradually ⚫︎ 着実に (ちゃくじつに) - steadily, reliably ⚫︎ 穏やかに (おだやかに) - calmly, gently

気温が急激に下がり、寒くなりました。 ・Translation: The temperature dropped 急激に and it became cold. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates a sudden change in temperature, making it suitable for using 急激に.

経済状況が急激に悪化し、多くの人が職を失いました。 ・Translation: The economic situation worsened 急激に, and many people lost their jobs. ・Explanation: This sentence shows the use of 急激に describing a drastic and swift decline in the economy, and its consequent impact.

The word 急激に comes from combining the kanji 急 (kyuu), which means "sudden" or "urgent," and 激 (geki), which means "violent" or "intense." The particle に turns the phrase into an adverb. Therefore, the etymology of the word suggests a meaning of something happening suddenly and with intensity.