Translation guide
The English proverb 'haste makes waste' warns that rushing leads to mistakes and poor results. In Japanese, this idea is expressed through several proverbs and set phrases that emphasize the value of taking one's time.
Express the general idea that rushing causes mistakes or waste.
Literally 'if you hurry, go around.' This is the closest Japanese equivalent, meaning that taking a longer but safer route is faster in the end. It's a well-known proverb.
急がば回れで、ゆっくりやったほうが結局早いよ。
As they say, 'haste makes waste' — taking it slow will actually be faster in the end.
Literally 'haste ruins things.' A more direct statement that rushing leads to failure. Slightly more formal or literary.
Tell someone not to rush in everyday conversation.
A simple, natural way to say 'if you rush, you'll mess up.' Suitable for friends or informal situations.
そんなに急ぐと失敗するよ。
If you rush like that, you'll make a mistake.
Use 急がば回れ when you want to sound wise or quote a proverb. In casual speech, 急ぐと失敗するよ is more direct and natural.
せいては事を仕損じるから、落ち着いて作業しよう。
Haste makes waste, so let's work calmly.
Variant of せいては事を仕損じる, using the same reading but sometimes written with 急いて. Less common.
急いては事を仕損じるというから、慎重にやろう。
They say haste makes waste, so let's do it carefully.
Literally 'when you panic, nothing good happens.' Emphasizes that haste leads to bad outcomes.
慌てるとろくなことがないから、深呼吸して。
Haste makes waste, so take a deep breath.