急

• Pinyin: jí
• Hanzi breakdown: 急 = upper phonetic component + 心 (heart, bottom); the heart in an urgent state.

Meaning

Urgent; anxious; hurried. Describes a state of urgency or feeling rushed and worried.

Can describe both situations (urgent matter) and feelings (feeling anxious or rushed). Very common in daily conversation. Also used in compounds like 着急 (worried) and 急忙 (hurriedly).

Examples

1. 别急，慢慢来。 Don't rush — take your time.
2. 他有急事要走了。 He has an urgent matter and needs to leave.
3. 我很急，快迟到了。 I'm in a hurry — I'm about to be late.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, emotions, time pressure

Tone: stressed, hurried

Do Say

• 不要急，还有时间。(Don't worry — there's still time.)
• 这件事很急。(This matter is urgent.)

Don't Say

• 不要对很着急的人只说'你别急' (Telling someone who is already very stressed just 别急 can sound dismissive — offer concrete help or solutions instead)

Origin & History

Ancient character combining elements suggesting urgency and the heart radical. Depicts a state of pressing need in the heart.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal