急がなくていい
isoganakute ii
The English phrase "no rush" is expressed in Japanese as 急がなくていい (isoganakute ii).
The phrase is used to tell someone that they do not need to hurry.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the negative te-form of the verb isogu (to hurry) and ii (good/fine), literally meaning "it is fine if (you) do not hurry".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 急がなくていい is casual and should be used with friends, family or subordinates. In a professional or formal setting, 急ぐ必要はありません is a more appropriate way to express that there is no need to hurry. You can also use the formal 慌てないでください to mean "Please don't rush."
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase sound more polite and reassuring to a listener, you can add ですよ to the end, resulting in 急がなくていいですよ.
How do you pronounce it?
isoganakute ii
Did you know?
- When someone says 急がなくていい, a common polite response is すみません meaning 'sorry', even though the speaker is being helpful.
- If you use the casual 急がなくていい with a boss, you may inadvertently signal that you are their social superior, which can cause significant discomfort.
- To emphasize that there is absolutely no deadline, speakers might say ゆっくりでいい, which uses the word for 'slowly' instead of 'not hurrying'.
Examples in context
- 急がなくていいですよ。Isoganakute ii desu yo.There is no rush.
- 全然急がなくていいから、ゆっくりして。Zenzen isoganakute ii kara, yukkuri shite.There is absolutely no rush, so take your time.
Example conversation
A woman is apologizing to a man for being late with a task.
- 結衣 Yuiごめんなさい、作業が終わらなくて。Gomennasai, sagyo ga owaranakute.I'm sorry, I haven't finished the work yet.
- 大翔 Hiroto大丈夫、そんなに急がなくていいよ。Daijobu, sonna ni isoganakute ii yo.It's okay, you don't need to hurry like that.
- 結衣 Yui本当に？すぐやります！Honto ni? Sugu yarimasu!Really? I'll do it right away!
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、結衣さんのペースでいいよ。Un, Yui-san no peesu de ii yo.Yeah, just go at your own pace, Yui.
