Moving too fast
Meaning: Progressing a relationship at an uncomfortably rapid pace — too much commitment too soon.
Moving too fast is the opposite of taking it slow. It means rushing through relationship stages — saying 'I love you' on the second date, wanting to move in after a month, or planning a wedding after three months. It's a common red flag in American dating culture and a frequent reason people give for ending relationships.
Examples
- He said he loved me on our third date. That's moving way too fast. 第三次约会他就说爱我了。也太快了吧。Me dijo que me quería en nuestra tercera cita. Eso es ir demasiado rápido.3回目のデートで愛してるって言われた。それ、急ぎすぎでしょ。세 번째 데이트에서 사랑한다고 했어. 너무 빠른 거잖아.
- We were moving too fast, so I suggested we pump the brakes. 我们进展太快了,所以我建议我们踩踩刹车。Íbamos demasiado rápido, así que sugerí que frenásemos un poco.進展が早すぎたから、ちょっとブレーキをかけようって提案したの。우리가 너무 빨리 가고 있어서 브레이크를 밟자고 제안했어.
- Every time I date someone new, my mom warns me not to move too fast. 每次我跟新的人约会,我妈都提醒我不要太急。Cada vez que empiezo a salir con alguien nuevo, mi madre me advierte que no vaya demasiado rápido.新しい人と付き合うたびに、お母さんに急ぎすぎないようにって注意されるんだ。새로운 사람과 사귈 때마다 엄마가 너무 빨리 가지 말라고 경고하셔.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: dating advice, breakup explanations, relationship talks
Tone: concerned, cautionary
✓ Do Say
- I think we're moving too fast.我觉得我们进展太快了。Creo que estamos yendo demasiado rápido.私たち、急ぎすぎだと思う。우리 너무 빨리 가는 것 같아.
- She felt like things were moving too fast.她觉得事情发展得太快了。Ella sentía que las cosas iban demasiado rápido.彼女は進展が早すぎると感じてたみたい。그녀는 진전이 너무 빠르다고 느꼈어.
✗ Don't Say
- 'You're moving too fast' can sting — say it gently and explain what pace feels right for you'你太急了'可能会让人受伤——要温和地说,并解释你觉得什么样的节奏合适'Vas demasiado rápido' puede doler — dilo con delicadeza y explica qué ritmo te parece adecuado「急ぎすぎだよ」はきつく聞こえることもある——優しく伝えて、自分にとって心地よいペースを説明しよう'너무 빨리 가고 있어'라는 말은 상처가 될 수 있다 — 부드럽게 말하고 자신에게 편한 속도가 어떤 건지 설명하자
Origin & History
The concept of relationship pacing entered mainstream American discourse through 1980s-90s advice columns (Dear Abby, Ann Landers) and self-help books. The specific phrase 'moving too fast' became a dating red-flag keyword in the 2000s through shows like 'Sex and the City' and later through dating app culture and relationship podcasts like 'Call Her Daddy' and 'U Up?' in the 2010s-20s, where it is one of the most commonly cited reasons for ending early-stage relationships.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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