Translation and Meaning of: 急ぐ - isogu

If you've ever found yourself running to catch a train in Japan or seen someone quickening their pace upon hearing an "isogimasu!", then you already know the spirit of the word 急ぐ (いそぐ). This verb embodies urgency, but its story goes far beyond the literal meaning of "to hurry." In this article, you will discover the intriguing etymology of the kanji 急, how it transformed into a pictogram of urgency, and even tips to never forget its usage in everyday life.

In addition to the basics like translation and writing, here at Suki Nihongo — the largest online Japanese dictionary — you also get ready-made sentences to study on Anki. Want an example? Imagine yelling "Isoganaide!" ("Don't rush!") to a friend nearly tripping on the escalator in Tokyo. Real situations like this help cement vocabulary in memory.

The Kanji 急: A Window to Urgency

The heart of 急ぐ beats in the kanji 急, composed of two revealing elements. On the left, the radical 心 (kokoro), which represents "heart" or "mind", whispers that haste begins as an internal state. On the right, the component 及 (a hand reaching for something) completes the image: it is the anxiety of someone stretching their fingers to grasp the time that slips away. Together, they paint the perfect scene of urgency.

Interestingly, the ancient pictogram depicted a galloping horse with flowing manes — a visual metaphor that the Chinese used to convey speed. When this ideogram migrated to Japan, it took on its current psychological meaning. Today, when a Japanese person says "isogashii" (忙しい), although they use a different kanji, the feeling is the same: time slipping between their fingers.

In the People's Mouth: How the Japanese Use 急ぐ

In the fast-paced routine of Tokyo, 急ぐ is a survival verb. You will hear in the stations: "Isogide kudasai!" ("Please, hurry up!") when the last train is about to leave. But be careful with the tone — saying "Isogide!" without ください can sound rude, like an impatient boss. The teinei (polite) form "isogimasu" is your ally in 90% situations.

A trick to memorize: associate the sound "iso" with "that's it!" that we shout when we miss the bus. And if you want a visual aid, imagine the kanji 急 as a heart (心) racing, beating too fast under the pressure of the clock. It worked for me when I worked at a konbini and needed to memorize the hurried orders of salarymen.

Crossed Lines: 急ぐ in Culture and Google

Those who search "isogu vs isogashii" on Google often confuse the verb with the adjective "busy." The difference? While 急ぐ is an action ("I will hurry up"), 忙しい describes a state ("I am busy"). Another common search is "isogu conjugation", as its past tense (いそいだ) seems like a trick — the vowel "u" magically disappears.

In pop culture, 急ぐ appears in J-pop lyrics about love that cannot wait, or in animes when the protagonist needs to race against destiny. Recently, it even became a meme on Japanese social media, featuring photos of cats "isogide" behind sachets. Proof that even in haste, the Japanese find humor.