Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Urgent" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "urgent", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
急用
きゅうよう (kyuuyou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
喫緊
きっきん (kikkin)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "urgent" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 急用 and 喫緊.
In Japanese, 急用 (きゅうよう (kyuuyou)) is typically associated with "Urgent business; pressing matter" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a sudden, important, and often unexpected matter that requires immediate attention..
On the other hand, 喫緊 (きっきん (kikkin)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "urgent" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "急用"
急用ができたので、会議を途中で失礼します。
I have some urgent business, so I'll excuse myself from the meeting midway.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ ができたので、会議を途中で失礼します。" (Meaning: "I have some urgent business, so I'll excuse myself from the meeting midway.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "急用" fits here because it means "Urgent business; pressing matter" in the context of: "I have some urgent business, so I'll excuse myself from the meeting midway.". "喫緊" represents "urgent, pressing, immediate".