Translation and Meaning of: 焦る - aseru

If you've ever found yourself waiting for a train that never arrives or trying to finish a task before the deadline, you know what it feels like to 焦る (あせる). This Japanese word perfectly captures that tightness in your chest when time pressure starts to hit. In this article, we will unravel everything from the origin of the kanji to everyday situations where Japanese people let out a "あせっちゃう！" without thinking twice. You will discover the etymology behind the strokes, how the pictogram reveals the meaning, and even tips to never forget this expression again. And of course, as we always do here at Suki Nihongo, I've prepared some ready-made sentences for you to add to Anki and boost your studies.

The Kanji that Burns with Anxiety

The character 焦 is a lesson in semiotics. It combines the radical for fire (火) with the component 隹, which represents a short-tailed bird. Have you ever imagined what happens when you combine the two? The mental image is almost palpable: a little bird frantically flying over flames. No wonder this kanji carries meanings such as "burn," "char," and, by extension, that feeling of being consumed by impatience.

Interestingly, the old version of the character in jōyō kanji showed the flames literally licking the bird. Over time, the writing was simplified, but the essence remained. When a Japanese person says "仕事に焦っている" (I am anxious about work), it's as if they are carrying that symbolic fire on their backs.

When the Japanese enter あせる mode

In practice, 焦る appears in contexts where the clock is the villain. A student "試験に焦る" (gets nervous about the exam) not because of the content, but because time is slipping through their fingers. In a restaurant kitchen, the chef might yell "焦るな！" (don't rush!) to a rookie cutting fish - here, haste literally ruins the sushi.

An interesting cultural detail: unlike the English "hurry," which can be neutral, あせる carries a negative connotation of emotional loss of control. That's why you will often hear advice like "焦れば焦るほど失敗する" (the more you hurry, the more you fail), a zen reminder to stay calm even when the subway is closing its doors.

Memorizing with Fire and Grace

To fix this vocabulary, I created an association that will never leave your mind: think of the fire of the kanji as a Japanese bathroom heater. When it gets too hot, you start hopping from one foot to the other - exactly like someone who is あせっている! If you prefer a more visual method, draw the flames of the character with a melting clock in the middle, à la Salvador Dalí.

And here’s a golden tip from our readers: record the phrase "焦っても時間は戻らない" (no matter how much you rush, time does not return). It not only helps to memorize the verb, but also serves as a mantra for those chaotic days. Add it to your review deck with a ticking audio in the background - guaranteed that the word will stick in your mind!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 焦る

• 焦る - dictionary form
• 焦ります - Gift form
• 焦った - Past form
• 焦るだ - Imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 急ぐ (Isogu) - To hurry, to rush
• あせる (Aseru) - To feel anxious, distressed
• せかす (Sekasu) - To pressure someone, to hurry someone
• そわそわする (Sowasowa suru) - To be restless, anxious
• はやる (Hayaru) - Being hurried, being anxious (can refer to a tendency)
• あわてる (Awateru) - Panic, rush without thinking
• あわただしい (Awatadashii) - Agitated, hurried
• せっかち (Sekkachi) - Impatient, who does not like to wait
• せっかちな (Sekkachina) - Impatient (adjective form of secckachi)

焦る

Romaji: aseru
Kana: あせる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: be in a hurry; be impatient

Meaning in English: to be in a hurry;to be impatient

Definition: Feeling anxious or nervous because you try to do things quickly.

Example Sentences - (焦る) aseru

See below some example sentences:

焦ると失敗する。

Apressar

It leads to failure

If you are impatient, you will fail.

• 焦る - verb meaning "to be anxious" or "to be impatient"
• と - particle that indicates a cause and effect relationship
• 失敗する - verb meaning "to fail" or "to fail"