Greetings! If you’re looking to express the concept of “hurry” in Chinese, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore various ways to convey this idea, both formally and informally. We’ll also touch upon any regional variations, illustrating each point with tips and examples. So, let’s dive in! 加油 (jiāyóu)! (Keep going!)
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Hurry” in Chinese
When communicating formally, it’s essential to use polite and respectful expressions. Here are some Chinese phrases you can use in formal contexts to convey the notion of “hurry” or “to hurry up”:
1. 赶快 (gǎnkuài) – This term can be translated as “hurry up” or “quickly.” It is commonly used to urge someone to act swiftly.
If you are in a hurry yourself and need to excuse yourself gracefully in a formal setting, you can use:
2. 请原谅我要匆忙离开 (qǐng yuánliàng wǒ yào cōngmáng líkāi) – This phrase means “Please excuse me for leaving in a hurry” and is perfect for formal situations where you need to abruptly depart.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Hurry” in Chinese
Informal situations often call for a less structured approach. Here are some colloquial Chinese phrases to convey a sense of urgency more casually:
1. 快点 (kuài diǎn) – This expression is frequently used among friends and peers and is the equivalent of saying “hurry up.”
2. 走吧 (zǒu ba) – While directly translated as “let’s go,” it is commonly used to encourage someone to pick up the pace or hurry.
3. Regional Variations
Chinese is spoken across various regions, and while most phrases are universally understood, there can be slight variations in different dialects. Here’s a look at some regional variations:
In Cantonese:
1. 緊 (gan2) – Used commonly in Cantonese, this term emphasizes the sense of urgency similar to “hurry” in English.
In Hokkien (Min Nan):
1. 赶快 (kan-khí) – In Hokkien, the phrase 赶快 is used, which is the same as the Mandarin term mentioned earlier.
4. Examples
Let’s explore some examples to see how these phrases can be used in context:
Scenario: You’re running late for a meeting and need to alert your colleague.
Formal: 请速来开会！ (qǐng sù lái kāihuì) – Please come quickly for the meeting!
Informal: 快点过来开会！ (kuài diǎn guòlái kāihuì) – Hurry up and come for the meeting!
Scenario: You’re in a crowded market, and your friend is taking his time.
Formal: 对不起，请赶快一点儿！ (duìbuqǐ, qǐng gǎnkuài yīdiǎn er) – Sorry, please hurry up a little!
Informal: 快点嘛！ (kuài diǎn ma) – Come on, hurry up!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a range of phrases to express “hurry” in Chinese. Remember, when speaking formally, opt for the appropriate polite expressions, such as “赶快 (gǎnkuài)” or “请原谅我要匆忙离开 (qǐng yuánliàng wǒ yào cōngmáng líkāi).” For informal situations, “快点 (kuài diǎn)” or “走吧 (zǒu ba)” are great choices. Feel free to further explore regional variations based on your context. 加油 (jiāyóu) with your Chinese language journey!
Remember, whether it’s a formal or informal situation, being polite is always appreciated when communicating in any language! Good luck!
