焦り
aseri
The English word 'haste' can be translated into Japanese as 焦り (aseri).
焦り refers to the feeling of haste, specifically the state of being impatient, panicky or rushing. While 焦り captures the psychological state of being rushed, a more formal term used to convey the concept of speed and rapidity is 急速 (kyūsoku).
Meaning: speed, swiftness, dispatch (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 焦り literally refers to a state of being impatient, panicky or feeling rushed.
How do you pronounce it?
aseri
When do people say it?
This phrase is used to warn someone that acting out of haste or impatience is a mistake.
Did you know?
- The verb root in 焦り also means 'to scorch' or 'to burn'. While it describes the mental state of rushing, it shares a linguistic connection to the physical sensation of being singed by heat.
- The Japanese proverb 急がば回れ (isogaba maware) advises that when you are in a hurry, you should take the long way around. This reflects a cultural value that patience and caution are the fastest routes to success.
- While 焦り describes the feeling of being rushed, the word 急ぐ (isogu) is the go-to verb for the physical act of hurrying. Using 焦り when you simply mean you are moving fast might actually imply you are acting erratically or nervously.
Examples in context
- 気持ちは分かるけど焦りは禁物だよ。I understand how you must be feeling but remember that haste makes waste.This sentence is useful for illustrating the idiom that haste makes waste using 焦り.Tatoeba #2992093 by tommy_san, translation #10069609 by tsp_2
- 今、家族の皆さんがお急ぎなようです。It seems like your family members are in a hurry right now.
- もう遅いよ、急いで！It's already late, hurry up!
Example conversation
Hiyori is reminding Hiroto to stay calm during a test.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔、落ち着いて。焦りは禁物だよ。Hiroto, ochitsuite. asari wa kinmotsu da yo.Hiroto, calm down. Haste is forbidden.
- 大翔 Hiroto分かっているけど、時間が足りないんだ。wakatte iru kedo, jikan ga tarinai nda.I know, but I'm running out of time.
- 陽葵 Himari深呼吸して、ゆっくり解いてね。shinkokyuu shite, yukkuri toite ne.Take a deep breath and solve them slowly.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう。もう一度やり直してみるよ。arigatou. mou ichido yarinaoshite miru yo.Thanks. I'll try again.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 焦り, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
