赶快
gǎnkuài
In Chinese, the phrase "pronto" is translated as 赶快 (gǎnkuài).
赶快 is used as an adverb meaning "quickly" or "hurry up." It carries a sense of urgency, implying that one should rush to complete an action.
Meaning: quickly (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 赶, meaning "to rush" or "to chase," and 快, meaning "fast."
Which one should you use?
While 赶快 implies a sense of urgency or the need to "hurry up," the word 快 alone is used simply as a general descriptor of speed, meaning "fast."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In northern China, you may hear the informal variant 马上儿 used to mean "right away" or "immediately."
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, 赶快 is typically placed before the verb it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
gǎnkuài
Did you know?
- While 快 means 'fast', it is also the most common word for 'happy' in many contexts, such as in the phrase 'Happy New Year' (新年快乐).
- Because 赶快 implies urgency, using it with a superior, such as a boss, can unintentionally sound like you are barking an order at them.
- There is a common Chinese idiom 快人快语 which describes someone who speaks 'quickly' or 'directly', meaning they are honest and do not beat around the bush.
Examples in context
- 请马上完成这项任务。Please complete this task right away.
- 请您立即回复邮件。Please respond to the email immediately.
- 我马上儿就到！I'll be there in a jiffy!
- 走吧，我们立刻去商场。Let's go to the mall right now.
- 赶快走！Hurry up and go!
- 你赶快去洗手吧。Nǐ gǎnkuài qù xǐshǒu ba.You should quickly go wash your hands.
- 天黑了，我们赶快回家吧。Tiān hēi le, wǒmen gǎnkuài huí jiā ba.It's getting dark, let's quickly go home.
- 请赶快把作业做完。Qǐng gǎnkuài bǎ zuòyè zuò wán.Please quickly finish your homework.
Example conversation
Junjie and Zihan are running late for a movie.
- 俊杰 Junjie梓涵，我们要迟到了！Zǐhán, wǒmen yào chídào le!Zihan, we are going to be late!
- 梓涵 Zihan别担心，我会赶快穿好衣服的。Bié dānxīn, wǒ huì gǎnkuài chuān hǎo yīfu de.Don't worry, I will quickly get dressed.
- 俊杰 Junjie你动作要赶快一点。Nǐ dòngzuò yào gǎnkuài yīdiǎn.You need to move a bit more quickly.
- 梓涵 Zihan知道了，我现在就走。Zhīdào le, wǒ xiànzài jiù zǒu.I know, I'm leaving right now.
