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
急務
きゅうむ (kyuumu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "urgent" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 急用 and 急務.
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, 急務 (きゅうむ (kyuumu)) maps to "urgent business, pressing need, imperative" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to a task or issue that requires immediate attention and action because it is critically important. Often used in formal or official contexts. 緊急に処理すべき重要な用事や仕事。. 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 "急務"
地域の高齢化対策は、喫緊の急務である。
Measures for the aging population in the region are an urgent imperative.
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.". "急務" represents "urgent business, pressing need, imperative".