Translation guide
The English verb 'hasten' can mean to hurry up, to speed something up, or to move quickly toward a place. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express these ideas, from casual commands to formal written phrases.
Expressing that someone should hurry or is hurrying, often in commands or descriptions of rushing.
The most common and versatile verb for 'to hurry' or 'to be in a hurry'. Can be used in many contexts.
A common casual phrase meaning 'I have to hurry' or 'We'd better hurry'. Often used when realizing you're late.
We'd better hurry or we'll be late.
Means to hurry in a flustered or panicked way. Often used when someone is rushing and making mistakes.
Don't rush (and mess up).
To hurry in a breathless, eager manner. Somewhat literary or dramatic.
He hastened into the room breathlessly.
Making something happen faster, such as work, a decision, or a natural process.
Can also be used transitively to mean 'hasten something', like work or preparations.
Please hasten the preparations.
Transitive verb meaning to bring something forward in time or to speed up a process. Often used with deadlines, schedules, or natural processes.
Formal term meaning 'to promote' or 'to accelerate', often used in business or technical contexts.
The government is trying to hasten reforms.
Transitive verb meaning to increase speed, often used for physical movement or tempo. Same reading as 早める but different nuance.
Describing movement toward a place with a sense of urgency or speed.
Literally 'go in a hurry'. The most straightforward way to say 'hasten to a place'.
He hastened home.
To rush to a place, often in response to an emergency or call. Implies urgency and purpose.
Archaic or very formal term for hastening to someone's side, often in a feudal or loyal context.
急ぐ (isogu) is a general verb for hurrying oneself or something. 早める (hayameru) means to advance a time or schedule, while 速める (hayameru) means to increase speed. Both 早める and 速める are transitive and share the same reading but different kanji.
Hasten the meeting time (make it earlier).
Hasten the tempo (make it faster).
English 'hasten' can sound formal or old-fashioned. In Japanese, using 急ぐ or 早める is usually sufficient. Avoid overly literary words like 急き込む or 馳せ参じる unless you want a dramatic effect.
Let's hasten our departure.
The medicine hastened his recovery.
He hastened the car's speed.
Firefighters hastened to the scene.
The retainers hastened to their lord's side.