1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “急” (kyuu) means “urgent” or “hasty.” It conveys a sense of speed or the need for quick action.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “急” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “water” (氵) on the left, which suggests a sense of flow or urgency, with the character “急” on the right, which indicates the concept of urgency itself.
Radical: The radical of “急” is 氵, which is related to water and often implies movement or change.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 急行 (きゅうこう, kyuukou) – express train
- 急募 (きゅうぼ, kyuubo) – urgent recruitment
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この仕事は急です。 (このしごとはきゅうです。) – This job is urgent.
- 急いでください！ (いそいでください！) – Please hurry!
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 速 (そく, soku) – fast; emphasizes speed without the urgency aspect.
- 迅 (じん, jin) – swift; often used in a more formal context.
Antonyms:
- 遅 (おそ, oso) – slow; indicates a lack of speed or urgency.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of urgency is significant in Japanese culture, where timeliness is often valued in both personal and professional contexts.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 急がば回れ (いそがばまわれ) – “If you are in a hurry, take the long way around.” This proverb suggests that rushing can lead to mistakes, and sometimes a slower approach is more effective.