Exploring Ways to Express "Hurry" in Korean

 Whether you're a language enthusiast or just someone caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, expressing the need to hurry is a universal concept. In the vibrant city of Seoul, where life moves at a rapid pace, mastering various ways to convey "hurry" in Korean becomes particularly valuable. Let's delve into three primary expressions and their nuances.

 

 

1. 서두르다 (seodureuda) - To Hurry

The first term, 서두르다, directly translates to "to hurry." It carries a sense of urgency, making it ideal for situations demanding swift action. Whether ordering someone to hasten or describing your own sense of urgency, this versatile term can be used in various tenses.

 

서둘러 주세요. 늦으면 안돼요.

(seodulleo juseyo. neujeumyeon andwaeyo.)

Please hurry up. We can't be late.

 

서두르는 게 좋을 것 같아요.

(seodureuneun ge joeul geot gatayo.)

We'd better hurry up.

 

2. 빠르다 (ppareuda) - To Be Fast

The term 빠르다 translates to "to be fast" and is often used in the context of hurrying up. When ordering someone to hurry, you can use the imperative form 빨리! (ppalli!).

 

숙제 빨리 해! 놀러 가고 싶어.

(sukje ppalli hae! nolleo gago sipeo.)

Hurry up and do your homework fast! I want to go play.

 

빨리 와!

(ppalli wa!)

Come quickly!

 

3. 급하다 (geupada) - To Be Urgent

The term 급하다 can mean something is urgent or pressing. It is versatile, allowing you to describe your own sense of urgency, tell someone to hurry up, or reassure them there's no need to rush.

 

뭐가 그렇게 급하냐?

(mwoga geureoke geupanya?)

What's the hurry?

 

나는 급해요.

(naneun geupaeyo.)

I'm in a hurry.

 

Related Vocabulary:

재촉하다 (jaechokada) - hurry, rush, push, press

성급하다 (seonggeupada) - hasty, rash, impatient

다급하다 (dageupada) - urgent, pressing

바쁘다 (bappeuda) - busy, hurried, hasty, pressing, urgent

 

In the fast-paced rhythm of Korean life, mastering these expressions not only enhances your language skills but also provides insights into the cultural significance of time and urgency. So, take a moment to absorb these nuances before rushing into your next linguistic adventure.