Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Urgent" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "urgent", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
喫緊
きっきん (kikkin)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
吃緊
きっきん (kikkin)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "urgent" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 喫緊 and 吃緊.
In Japanese, 喫緊 (きっきん (kikkin)) is typically associated with "urgent, pressing, immediate" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a matter or issue that requires immediate attention and action because it is highly important or critical. More formal and emphasizes urgency more strongly than 緊急.
On the other hand, 吃緊 (きっきん (kikkin)) maps to "urgent, pressing, critical" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used in formal contexts to describe situations that are extremely urgent and require immediate action, often related to serious matters.. A literal translation of "urgent" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "喫緊"
地球温暖化対策は喫緊の課題だ。
Measures against global warming are an urgent issue.
Bilingual Context for "吃緊"
国境付近では、事態が吃緊を告げている。
The situation near the border is critical.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "地球温暖化対策は ＿＿＿ の課題だ。" (Meaning: "Measures against global warming are an urgent issue.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "喫緊" fits here because it means "urgent, pressing, immediate" in the context of: "Measures against global warming are an urgent issue.". "吃緊" represents "urgent, pressing, critical".