緩急(かんきゅう)

かんきゅう
noun
slow and fast; modulation; emergency
1. slow and fast; pace variation; modulation
the variation between slow and fast speeds or tempos; used in music, speech, and sports
緩急(かんきゅう)をつける。
To vary the pace.
Common collocation
演奏(えんそう)に緩急(かんきゅう)をつけることで表現(ひょうげん)が豊(ゆた)かになる。
Adding tempo variation to the performance makes the expression richer.
ピッチャーは緩急(かんきゅう)を使(つか)い分(わ)けてバッターを抑(おさ)えた。
The pitcher kept the batter in check by mixing slow and fast pitches.
緩急(かんきゅう)自在(じざい)にボールを操(あやつ)る。
To control the ball freely with varying speeds.
緩急自在 means having complete control over pace variation
2. emergency; urgent situation
a critical or pressing situation requiring immediate action (used in the expression 緩急の際)
緩急(かんきゅう)の際(さい)には連絡(れんらく)してください。
Please contact us in case of emergency.
緩急(かんきゅう)を要(よう)する事態(じたい)に備(そな)える。
To prepare for situations requiring urgent action.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 緩急(かんきゅう)をつける (to vary the pace)
  • 緩急(かんきゅう)自在(じざい) (freely varying pace; complete control over tempo)
  • 緩急(かんきゅう)の際(さい) (in case of emergency)

USAGE:
Sense 1 is more common in modern usage. Sense 2 appears in formal or literary contexts.

general
Added 2026.1.25 14:57
08000/08122_kankyuu