Understanding "着急" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 着急
• Pinyin: zháo jí
• Literal Meaning: "to touch/catch" (着) + "urgent" (急) = "to feel urgency"
• Primary Meaning: To feel anxious, worried, or impatient due to a pressing matter or time constraint.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  "着急" describes a state of mental unrest caused by urgency or impatience. It can refer to worrying about something unresolved (e.g., a missed deadline) or frustration over slow progress. Unlike English "angry," it focuses on anxiety rather than anger. It’s often used in phrases like 别着急 ("don’t worry") or 我很着急 ("I’m anxious").

• Character Breakdown:

• 着 (zháo): Here, it means "to be affected by" or "to catch" (e.g., 着凉, "catch a cold").
• 急 (jí): Means "urgent," "quick," or "impatient." Together, they imply "being gripped by urgency."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 别着急，我们还有时间。
   Pinyin: Bié zháo jí, wǒmen hái yǒu shíjiān.
   English: Don’t worry, we still have time.

2. Chinese: 他因为考试快到了很着急。
   Pinyin: Tā yīnwèi kǎoshì kuài dào le hěn zháo jí.
   English: He’s very anxious because the exam is coming soon.

3. Chinese: 妈妈看到孩子生病就着急了。
   Pinyin: Māma kàn dào háizi shēngbìng jiù zháo jí le.
   English: Mom became worried when she saw the child was sick.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, openly expressing "着急" is common, especially in situations involving family or deadlines. Saying 别着急 is a frequent reassurance to calm others, reflecting the value of maintaining harmony. Unlike Western cultures where "stress" might be discussed more clinically, "着急" is a colloquial way to describe everyday anxiety.

Conclusion

"着急" (zháo jí) captures the feeling of urgency or worry. Remember it by linking 着 ("affected by") and 急 ("urgency"). Use it to express impatience or concern, and listen for 别着急 as a comforting phrase in daily conversations.