匆忙

• Pinyin: cōng máng
• Hanzi breakdown: 匆 = 勿 + 心 (hurried); 忙 = 忄+ 亡 (busy, occupied)

Meaning

Hasty; hurried; in haste. Describes being in a rush, often implying insufficient time or preparation.

Similar to 匆匆 but more commonly used in everyday speech. Often carries a slightly negative connotation of being too rushed, potentially leading to mistakes. Can modify verbs or stand alone as an adjective.

Examples

1. 他走得太匆忙，把手机落在办公室了。 He left in such a hurry that he left his phone at the office.
2. 不要匆忙做决定，重要的事情需要仔细考虑。 Don't make decisions in haste — important matters need careful consideration.
3. 匆忙之中我忘了带伞，结果被淋成了落汤鸡。 In my rush, I forgot to bring an umbrella and ended up getting soaked to the bone.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, description, advice

Tone: cautionary

Do Say

• 别太匆忙，小心出错。(Don't be too hasty; be careful not to make mistakes.)
• 他匆忙赶往机场。(He hurried to the airport.)

Don't Say

• 我匆忙地休息了一天 (Contradictory — 匆忙 implies rushing, which doesn't match resting for a full day)

Origin & History

Compound of 匆 (hurried) + 忙 (busy). Both characters contain the 心 (heart) element, reflecting mental state of being rushed.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal