Ever found yourself in Seoul, late for a meeting, and in desperate need of the right word to express your urgency to the cab driver? Or maybe you’re watching your favorite K-drama, shouting at the protagonist 빠르다 (ppareuda) or hurry in Korean. In this article, we’ll cover the best translation for this word, so you’ll be equipped with the linguistic jetpack you need to zoom through any time-sensitive situation in Korean!
3 Best Ways To Say Hurry In Korean
In a race with someone speaking Korean and need to tell them to hurry up? Look no further than here for the top three ways to say it. Whether you’re late for a K-Pop dance class or just want that last piece of kimchi, these expressions will have you covered. Let’s go!
서두르다 (Seodureuda)
Meaning: Literally translates to “to hurry.”
This is the best K-term to use when you need to express urgency, either for yourself or when asking someone else to speed up. It’s versatile and can fit into various situations.
- Example 1: 서둘러 주세요. (seodulleo juseyo.)
Translation: Please hurry up. - Example 2: 서두르지 마세요. (seodureuji maseyo.)
Translation: Don’t hurry.
빨리 (Ppalli)
Meaning: This word means “to be fast” and is often used to describe things or people that have speed.
You want to comment on the speed of an object or to tell someone to do something more quickly. It’s not a direct command to hurry but conveys a similar urgency. Please note that you can use it on its own but also with action verbs in their imperative form. In other words, to use the action verbs casually, drop the -ㅂ니다 (-mnida) and -요 (-yo) endings.
- Example 1: 빨리 해! (ppalli hae!)
Translation: Do it quickly! - Example 2: 빨리 걸어! (ppalli georeo!)
Translation: Walk quickly!
급하다 (Geupada)
Meaning: Used to describe a situation as urgent or pressing.
You’re in a personal rush or explaining that there’s an emergency. It’s also useful when reassuring someone that there’s no need to rush.
- Example 1: 나는 급해요. (naneun geupaeyo.)
Translation: I’m in a hurry. - Example 2: 급하지 않아요. (geupaji anhayo.)
Translation: It’s not urgent.
Other Ways To Express Hurry In Korean
Want to blow the socks off K-netizens online? We’ve rounded up a list of unique ways to be quick or hurry. These will give your mind more creative pathways to communicate in, so you can better express yourself in different situations.
- 재촉하다 (jaechokada) – to urge or press someone to do something faster.
- Example: 숙제를 재촉하지 마세요.
- Translation: Don’t rush me with the homework.
- 서둘러라 (seodulleora) – an informal command that means “hurry up.”
- Example: 시간이 없으니 서둘러라!
- Translation: We don’t have time, so hurry up!
- 황급히 (hwanggeuphi) – quickly, in a hurry, used adverbially.
- Example: 그는 황급히 회의실로 들어갔다.
- Translation: He quickly went into the meeting room
- 급히 (geuphi) – urgently or hastily, similar to 황급히.
- Example: 급히 출발해야 해서 준비가 덜 됐어.
- Translation: I had to leave in a hurry, so I’m not fully prepared.
- 닥치다 (dakchida) – to rush or to do something in a hurry, often used in informal situations.
- Example: 나는 닥치는 대로 일을 처리했다.
- Translation: I handled the work as it came at me in a rush.
Is Saying Hurry In Korean Rude?
The way time works in Korea is different, and so are the manners that surround it. For example, using “hurry up” in a conversation sounds rude and impolite rather than encouraging. According to the locals, it would be better to use words that value politeness and harmony in their interactions.
Korea is known for its “빨리빨리 문화” (ppalli-ppalli culture), which means “hurry hurry culture.” Cities like Seoul are at the center of it all. Efficiency and speed are prioritized in this mindset. The way you talk also matters here. Phrases like “서둘러 주세요” or “Please hurry up” are seen as polite and, therefore, acceptable. However, saying to someone directly that they need to hurry is impolite (unless they’re a close friend or younger than you).
Knowing when and how to use urgent phrases is important. In professional settings, it’s better to avoid urgently telling someone to do something. Instead, try being indirect. In casual settings with close friends, using “빨리” (ppalli) would be fine and not rude at all. Just like most things in life, context is key. Always observe how others communicate urgency and follow their lead so you can ensure politeness is maintained and you don’t ruin any relationships
Common Phrases Related To Time
Korean is a language with lots of expressions that make it easy to communicate the opposite of rush. Hear someone say “천천히 가세요” (cheoncheonhi gaseyo), and in English, this would mean nothing more than “go slowly” or “take your time.” But once you look deeper into it, you start to see how these words can be helpful when reassuring someone that they actually don’t need to rush.
Additionally, idiomatic expressions convey the subtleties behind a culture. For example, “시간을 죽이다” (Siganeul jug-ida) translates to “kill time.” The English expression holds the same meaning and is used when someone has too much free time on their hands. Another expression is “시간이 금이다” (Sigani geumida), which barely differs from the common phrase “time is gold.” This emphasizes how valuable time in Korean society is.
Personally, I believe that these expressions are useful when trying to show you understand and empathize with how long or short someone feels their stretch of it may be.
Learn Korean With Ling
As you start to understand the Korean language, it would be best to learn how to express urgency or calmness. These will give a deeper meaning in conversations. Especially if you’re speeding through Seoul during a crazy day or having a smooth chat with friends. By learning these phrases and vocabulary, you’ll be able to handle any speed of life.
Wanna start learning now? Take out your phone and download the Ling app from either the App Store or Play Store. It’s simply one of the easiest ways to grow your Korean vocabulary.
