焦り

• Reading: あせり
• Romaji: aseri
• Kanji breakdown: 焦 (shou) — to scorch, to be impatient
• Pronunciation: /a.se.ɾi/

Meaning

Impatience; anxiety from feeling rushed. A restless sense of urgency or frustration.

The noun form of the verb 焦る (to feel impatient/anxious). Describes the internal sensation of being pressed for time or fearing failure. Common in expressions like 焦りを感じる (to feel impatience) and 焦りは禁物 (impatience is the enemy). Frequently used in academic and career contexts.

Examples

1. 試験が近づくにつれて焦りを感じ始めた。 As the exam got closer, I started to feel a growing sense of impatience.
2. 周りが就職していく中で、焦りが募るばかりだ。 Watching everyone around me land jobs, I just feel more and more anxious.
3. 焦りは禁物だと分かっていても、落ち着けない。 I know impatience won't help, but I still can't seem to calm down.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, career, daily life

Tone: tense

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 焦る (aseru, to be impatient). The kanji 焦 originally means 'to scorch/burn,' metaphorically extended to the burning, restless feeling of impatience.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal