Translation and Meaning of: 急かす - sekasu

If you have already studied Japanese, you have probably encountered the word 急かす (せかす) and wondered about its meaning and usage. This article will explore everything about this term, from its translation and origin to its cultural context and practical examples. If you want to understand how the Japanese use this word in everyday life or are looking for tips to memorize it, keep reading!

The meaning and translation of 急かす (せかす) is "to urge" or "to hurry someone."

急かす (せかす) is a Japanese verb that means "to rush someone" or "to urge someone to do something quickly." It carries a nuance of pressure, often used when someone is impatient or wants another person to speed up their actions. The closest translation in English would be "to rush" or "to accelerate," but with a more direct tone.

It is worth noting that 急かす is not necessarily rude, but it can sound a bit assertive depending on the context. For example, a boss might 急かす an employee to submit a report, while a friend might jokingly say "急かさないで！" (Don't rush me!). The word appears frequently in everyday conversations and even in dialogues from animes and dramas.

The origin and writing of 急かす

The kanji 急 (きゅう) means "fast" or "urgent," and is composed of the radicals 心 (heart) and 及 (reach), suggesting the idea of a mind that seeks speed. The suffix かす is a verbal form that indicates causing an action in someone. Together, they convey the sense of "making someone act in a hurry."

It is interesting to note that, although the kanji 急 is common in words like 急ぐ (いそぐ - "to hurry"), the reading せかす is less frequent and often learned at an intermediate stage of Japanese study. This makes it a useful word, but one that may go unnoticed by beginners.

How and when to use 急かす in everyday life

急かす is often used in situations where there is an expectation of speed. For example, parents might use it with children who take too long to leave the house: "早くしなさい！急かさないで！" (Hurry up! Don’t rush me!). In the workplace, it’s common to hear phrases like "上司にせかされて、報告書を早く仕上げた" (I was rushed by my boss and finished the report quickly).

Culturally, the Japanese tend to avoid direct confrontations, so the use of 急かす can vary depending on the level of formality and the relationship between individuals. In more polite contexts, it is common to use alternative expressions or softer forms to avoid sounding authoritarian. Knowing when and how to use this word can make a difference in language fluency.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 急かす

• 急かします - Forma formal
• 急かして - Forma imperativa
• 急かさない - Forma negativa
• 急かされる - Forma passiva
• 急かさせる - Forma causativa

Synonyms and similar words

• 促す (Unasuru) - Encourage, stimulate an action
• 催促する (Saisoku suru) - Pressuring someone to do something, insisting on an action.
• 焦らす (Aserasu) - To make someone impatient, delay an action.
• 迫る (Hakaru) - To force someone or something to act, to approach intimidatingly.
• 急迫する (Kyūhaku suru) - Press urgently, demand urgently

急かす

Romaji: sekasu
Kana: せかす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to hurry; to urge

Meaning in English: to hurry;to urge on

Definition: To urge someone or something to act quickly.