Translation guide
How to express acting in a frantic, panicked, or hurried manner in Japanese, depending on the nuance.
To act in a state of panic, fluster, or confusion, often due to surprise or pressure.
The most common verb for acting frantically or in a fluster. Implies losing composure and rushing.
To act quickly and hastily, often with a sense of urgency or lack of time.
General verb for hurrying. Can imply frantic action when combined with context.
To act in a wild, desperate, or reckless manner, often due to extreme emotion or danger.
Means to become desperate and act with frantic effort.
彼は必死になって助けを求めた。
He frantically called for help.
慌てる focuses on the emotional state of fluster or panic, while 急ぐ simply means to hurry. You can 急ぐ without being 慌てる, but acting frantically often involves both.
急いだけど慌てなかった。
I hurried but didn't panic.
彼は遅刻しそうになって慌てて家を出た。
He left the house in a fluster, afraid of being late.
慌てないで、落ち着いてください。
Don't panic; please calm down.
Literally 'become panic'. Used when someone loses control and acts frantically out of fear or shock.
火事でパニックになって逃げ出した。
They panicked because of the fire and ran away.
A stronger, more dramatic expression meaning to be completely flustered and in disarray.
突然の知らせに慌てふためいた。
I was thrown into a panic by the sudden news.
急いで準備したけど、間に合わなかった。
I hurried to get ready, but I didn't make it in time.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'in a great hurry', often implying frantic haste.
大急ぎで書類を探した。
I frantically searched for the documents.
Onomatopoeic verb describing flustered, hurried movements. Casual.
遅刻しそうであたふたした。
I was running late and rushing around frantically.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'like crazy', implying frantic, uncontrolled action.
彼女は狂ったように走り回った。
She ran around frantically like a madwoman.
To be desperately eager, often used when someone is frantically trying to achieve something.
彼は昇進に躍起になっている。
He is frantically trying to get a promotion.