Translation guide
The English word 'urgent' describes something that requires immediate action or attention. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on whether you are talking about a task, a situation, a request, or a medical emergency. The most common equivalent is 緊急 (kinkyū), but other words like 至急 (shikyū) or 急ぎ (isogi) are used in specific contexts. Learners should also be aware that Japanese often uses set phrases rather than a single adjective.
To describe a situation, matter, or task that needs to be dealt with right away.
The most common and versatile word for 'urgent'. It can be used as a noun or with な to form an adjective. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
緊急の用事ができました。
An urgent matter came up.
これは緊急な問題です。
This is an urgent problem.
Often used as a noun meaning 'urgency' or 'hurry'. Commonly appears in phrases like 急ぎの用事 (urgent business). Slightly more casual than 緊急.
急ぎの仕事が入った。
An urgent task came in.
Means 'as soon as possible' or 'urgently'. Often used in business or formal requests. Can sound more pressing than 緊急.
至急ご連絡ください。
Please contact us urgently.
To ask someone to do something quickly or to emphasize that something must be done without delay.
A polite but direct way to request urgent action. Common in emails and business settings.
至急ご返信ください。
Please reply urgently.
The te-form of 急ぐ (to hurry), used to mean 'quickly' or 'urgently'. More casual and direct than 至急.
急いで来てください。
Please come quickly (it's urgent).
An intensified version of 至急, meaning 'extremely urgent' or 'ASAP'. Used in very pressing situations, often in business.
To describe a medical condition or situation that requires immediate treatment.
Used in medical contexts as well, e.g., 緊急手術 (emergency surgery).
緊急の患者が運ばれてきた。
An urgent patient was brought in.
Specifically refers to emergency medical services. 救急車 means ambulance. Not used for general urgency.
To convey that something is of critical importance and cannot be postponed.
Means 'imminent' or 'pressing'. Used for situations that are about to happen and require immediate attention. More literary.
差し迫った危険
imminent danger
A formal, somewhat old-fashioned word for 'urgent'. Often used in the phrase 火急の用 (urgent business). Rare in modern conversation.
火急の用で参りました。
I have come on urgent business.
The katakana word アージェント exists but is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick to the native terms above.
緊急 is an adjective/noun describing the state of being urgent. 至急 is an adverb/noun meaning 'urgently' or 'ASAP'. Use 緊急 for 'an urgent situation' and 至急 for 'do something urgently'.
これは緊急です。
This is urgent.
至急お願いがあります。
I have an urgent request.
大至急お願いします。
This is extremely urgent, please.
救急車を呼んでください。
Please call an ambulance.