Translation guide
The English word "hurry" can be expressed in Japanese through verbs, adverbs, and set phrases that convey rushing, urgency, or doing something quickly. The most common and versatile verb is 急ぐ (isogu).
Expressing the action of hurrying or doing something with speed.
The most common verb for 'to hurry'. Can be used for both physical rushing and doing tasks quickly.
The te-form of 急ぐ, used as an adverb meaning 'hurriedly' or 'quickly'. Often used in requests.
I ate in a hurry.
Means 'to hurry' in a flustered or panicked way. Often implies being rushed and making mistakes.
To hurry someone else; to rush or pressure someone. More direct and can be rude.
Describing the state of being rushed or having little time.
The progressive form of 急ぐ, meaning 'I am in a hurry' or 'I am rushing'.
Telling or encouraging someone to speed up.
Expressing the opposite: taking one's time or not rushing.
Negative te-form of 急ぐ, meaning 'without hurrying' or 'take your time'.
Please don't hurry. / Take your time.
The verb 急ぐ is intransitive in the sense of 'to hurry oneself'. To express hurrying someone else, use 急かす (せかす) or a causative form like 急がせる (いそがせる), but these can sound pushy. Often, 急いで！ or 早く！ is enough.
急ぐ is neutral 'to hurry'. 慌てる implies fluster, panic, or being rushed to the point of confusion. 慌てる often has a negative nuance of making mistakes due to haste.
慌てないで。
Don't rush (and make mistakes).
Don't rush him.
Sorry, I'm in a hurry.
Literally 'there is no time'. A common way to express being in a hurry because of time pressure.
We don't have time, so let's hurry.
Hurry up! We'll be late.
Means 'Quickly!' or 'Hurry up!'. Very common in casual speech.
Hurry! The bus is coming.
The volitional form of 急ぐ, meaning 'Let's hurry'. Used to urge a group.
Let's hurry, everyone.
Adverb meaning 'slowly' or 'at a leisurely pace'. Often used to tell someone to relax and not rush.
Take your time and relax.