Want to learn how to say “hurry up” in Mandarin? Whether you’re trying to catch a train or simply looking to express urgency, this guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to convey this sentiment in Mandarin Chinese. Regional variations will also be explored, if relevant. So let’s dive in and discover how to effectively communicate “hurry up” in Mandarin!
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Formal Ways to Say “Hurry Up” in Mandarin
When it comes to formal expressions, Mandarin Chinese offers different phrases to express the sense of urgency. Here are a couple of formal ways to convey “hurry up” in Mandarin:
- 快点 (kuài diǎn): This phrase literally translates to “quickly” and is commonly used to politely urge someone to hurry up. You can use it in various situations, such as when waiting for someone or when there is a need to expedite a task. For example, you could say “快点！我们要赶火车了” (Kuài diǎn! Wǒmen yào gǎn huǒchē le) which translates to “Hurry up! We need to catch the train.”
- 赶紧 (gǎn jǐn): This phrase can be used interchangeably with “快点” and carries a similar meaning of urging someone to hurry up promptly. It is particularly useful when there is limited time or a tight deadline. For instance, you might say “赶紧！会议马上就要开始了” (Gǎn jǐn! Huìyì mǎshàng jiù yào kāishǐ le) which translates to “Hurry up! The meeting is about to start.”
Informal Ways to Say “Hurry Up” in Mandarin
If you’re in a more casual setting, you might want to use a less formal expression to say “hurry up” in Mandarin. Here are a couple of informal ways to convey a sense of urgency:
- 赶快 (gǎn kuài): This term is commonly used in casual conversations among friends or peers. It conveys a sense of urgency, similar to “hurry up” in English. For example, you could say “赶快吧，我们要迟到了” (Gǎn kuài ba, wǒmen yào chídào le) which translates to “Hurry up, we’re going to be late!”
- 快快 (kuài kuài): This expression is even more informal and is often used to prompt someone to hurry. It can be used among close friends or family members. An example sentence would be “快快，别错过电影开始” (Kuài kuài, bié cuòguò diànyǐng kāishǐ) which means “Hurry up, don’t miss the start of the movie.”
Regional Variations
Mandarin Chinese is spoken across various regions, and while the phrases mentioned above are commonly used nationwide, there can be minor regional variations in how “hurry up” is expressed. However, these differences are generally negligible when initiating urgency effectively. It’s important to note that Mandarin Chinese is the official language in China, Taiwan, and Singapore, where the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood and used.
Tip: When in doubt, it’s always safe to rely on the formal expressions, such as “快点” and “赶紧,” as they are universally accepted in Mandarin Chinese.
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning a new language requires practice, so why not reinforce your understanding of “hurry up” in Mandarin by putting it into context? Here are a few dialogue examples to help you practice:
Example 1:
A: 你在哪儿？快点！我们要走了！
B: 我马上就到！ (Nǐ zài nǎr? Kuài diǎn! Wǒmen yào zǒu le!
B: Wǒ mǎshàng jiù dào!)
A: Where are you? Hurry up! We’re leaving!
B: I’ll be there in a moment!
Example 2:
A: 快快！我们快要迟到了！
B: 好，我已经准备好了！ (Kuài kuài! Wǒmen kuài yào chídào le!
B: Hǎo, wǒ yǐjīng zhǔnbèi hǎo le!)
A: Hurry up! We’re about to be late!
B: Alright, I’m ready!
Remember, practice helps you become more confident and proficient in using the language, so don’t hesitate to incorporate these phrases in your daily conversations.
Now that you’re equipped with various ways to say “hurry up” in Mandarin, both formally and informally, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. Whether it’s in a business setting or a casual interaction, you’ll be able to effectively express urgency in Mandarin Chinese.
