Translation guide
The English adverb 'hurriedly' describes doing something quickly, often with a sense of rush or urgency. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs, verb forms, and mimetic words that convey speed, haste, or fluster. The most common and versatile equivalent is 急いで (isoide), but other options like 慌てて (awatete) add a nuance of panic or fluster. This guide covers natural ways to express 'hurriedly' in different contexts.
To describe doing something quickly because of time pressure or urgency, without necessarily implying panic.
The most common and neutral way to say 'hurriedly'. It comes from the verb 急ぐ (isogu, to hurry). Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は急いで家を出た。
He left the house hurriedly.
I have to eat hurriedly or I'll be late.
Emphasizes great haste; 'in a big hurry'. Slightly more intense than 急いで.
大急ぎで準備をした。
I prepared hurriedly / in a great hurry.
Literally 'with quick steps', used when walking hurriedly. Focuses on the physical speed of movement.
彼女は早足で駅に向かった。
She headed to the station hurriedly (walking quickly).
To describe doing something hastily due to surprise, confusion, or slight panic, often resulting in a lack of composure.
Implies fluster or panic. Often used when someone acts hurriedly because they are startled or under pressure, sometimes making mistakes.
慌てて部屋を片付けた。
I hurriedly tidied up the room (in a fluster).
彼は慌てて謝った。
He hurriedly apologized (in a panic).
A mimetic adverb describing a flustered, hurried manner. Often used for comical or slightly chaotic situations.
遅刻しそうであたふたと家を出た。
I left the house in a fluster, about to be late.
Describes leaving or doing something hurriedly, often with a sense of wanting to escape or avoid attention. Somewhat literary or narrative.
彼はそそくさと退席した。
He hurriedly left his seat (as if to escape).
To emphasize that something was done too quickly, perhaps carelessly or without proper thought.
Similar to 早足で, but can also imply a rushed pace in work or actions, not just walking. Suggests haste that might compromise quality.
急ぎ足で仕事を片付けた。
I finished the work hurriedly (and maybe not perfectly).
A formal or business-like expression meaning 'hurriedly' or 'in haste'. Often used in written communication like emails.
取り急ぎご報告申し上げます。
I am writing to inform you hurriedly / in haste.
急いで (isoide) simply means 'in a hurry', while 慌てて (awatete) adds a nuance of being flustered or panicked. Use 慌てて when the haste is accompanied by confusion or emotional upset.
急いで電車に乗った。
I hurriedly got on the train (just in time).
慌てて電車に乗ったら、忘れ物をした。
I got on the train in a fluster and left something behind.
English '-ly' adverbs don't always map directly to Japanese adverbs. While 急いで is the closest equivalent, in many cases Japanese uses verb forms or other constructions. For example, 'He spoke hurriedly' is more naturally 彼は早口で話した (he spoke quickly) rather than a direct adverb translation.