When you are learning Japanese, you will often hear the word 急な (kyūna). This is a really useful word that means steep, sudden, or urgent. Think of it like this: if a hill is very steep, you can say it's 急な坂 (kyūna saka). If something happens very quickly and unexpectedly, like a sudden rain shower, that's 急な雨 (kyūna ame).
It also describes things that need immediate attention, like an urgent matter or a sudden appointment. So, if your friend calls you with something important, you might say it's 急な用事 (kyūna yōji). This word helps you talk about things that are quick, sharp, or require fast action.
When you're learning Japanese at an A2 level, you'll encounter words like 急な (kyūna). This word is quite versatile and can describe a few different situations. Think of it as meaning something is steep, sudden, or urgent. For example, a steep hill or a sudden change in plans could both use this adjective.
急な 30 सेकंड में
- Use 急な for inclines like hills or stairs.
- Use 急な for unexpected events or changes.
- Use 急な for urgent tasks or appointments.
§ Understanding 急な (kyūna)
The Japanese adjective 急な (kyūna) is super useful. It's often translated as 'steep,' 'sudden,' or 'urgent.' But its nuance goes a bit deeper. Think of it as indicating something that happens quickly, abruptly, or has a sharp incline. It's about things that are not gradual or slow.
- Japanese Word
- 急な (kyūna)
- CEFR Level
- A2
- Definition
- Steep, sudden, or urgent.
§ Using 急な as a な-adjective
急な is a な-adjective. This means it acts like a noun when it comes before a noun, and it needs the particle な (na) to connect them. When it modifies a verb or acts as an adverb, it often changes to 急に (kyūni).
§ 급な Meaning 'Steep'
When talking about slopes or inclines, 急な means 'steep' or 'sharp.'
この山道は急な坂が多いです。
Kono yamamichi wa kyūna saka ga ooi desu.
This mountain road has many steep slopes.
その階段はとても急なので、気をつけてください。
Sono kaidan wa totemo kyūna node, ki wo tsukete kudasai.
Those stairs are very steep, so please be careful.
§ 급な Meaning 'Sudden' or 'Abrupt'
This is where 急な gets used a lot for unexpected events or changes.
彼から急な連絡がありました。
Kare kara kyūna renraku ga arimashita.
I received sudden contact from him.
天気が急な変化を見せた。
Tenki ga kyūna henka wo miseta.
The weather showed a sudden change.
§ 急な Meaning 'Urgent' or 'Pressing'
This usage refers to something that requires immediate attention or is time-sensitive.
急な用事ができて、会議に出られなくなりました。
Kyūna yōji ga dekite, kaigi ni derarenaku narimashita.
I have an urgent errand, so I can't attend the meeting.
これは急な問題なので、すぐに対応が必要です。
Kore wa kyūna mondai nano de, sugu ni taiou ga hitsuyou desu.
This is an urgent problem, so an immediate response is necessary.
§ Common Phrases with 急な
Here are a few common ways you'll hear 急な being used:
急な仕事 (kyūna shigoto): Urgent work, sudden task.
急な予定 (kyūna yotei): Sudden plans, an unexpected appointment.
急な展開 (kyūna tenkai): Sudden development, an abrupt turn of events.
Mastering 急な will definitely make your Japanese sound more natural. Pay attention to the context to understand which meaning is intended, and don't be afraid to try using it in your own sentences!
§ 急な (kyūna): What it Means
- DEFINITION
- 急な (kyūna) is an adjective in Japanese. It means "steep," "sudden," or "urgent." It's a common word you'll hear in various situations, from daily conversations to news reports.
Let's look at how you'll encounter 急な in real-world scenarios, particularly in contexts like work, school, and the news. Understanding these uses will help you grasp its nuances better.
§ At Work: Urgent Tasks and Sudden Changes
In a work environment, 急な often pops up when talking about deadlines, meetings, or unexpected situations. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of saying something is "urgent" or "sudden."
急な仕事が入ったので、残業します。
Translation hint: "I have some urgent work, so I'll be working overtime." Here, 急な emphasizes the unexpected and pressing nature of the work.
部長が急な出張で、会議は中止になりました。
Translation hint: "The manager had a sudden business trip, so the meeting was canceled." This shows how 急な can describe an unforeseen event that changes plans.
§ At School: Unexpected Events and Assignments
In a school setting, 急な is used for things like pop quizzes, sudden changes to the class schedule, or unexpected requests from teachers.
急なテストがあったので、あまり勉強できませんでした。
Translation hint: "There was a sudden test, so I couldn't study much." This is a common phrase you might hear from students.
先生が急な用事で、今日の授業は自習になりました。
Translation hint: "The teacher had an urgent matter, so today's class became self-study." Here, it describes the teacher's unexpected need to be away.
§ In the News: Sudden Events and Steep Changes
When watching or reading the news, you'll often see 急な used to describe sudden natural disasters, economic shifts, or steep inclines/declines in data.
急な地震が発生し、多くの地域で被害が出ました。
Translation hint: "A sudden earthquake occurred, causing damage in many areas." This is a typical way to report an unforeseen natural event.
物価が急な上昇を見せています。
Translation hint: "Prices are showing a steep increase." Here, 急な describes a significant and rapid change, often in statistics or trends.
§ Practice Using 急な
The best way to master 急な is to try using it yourself. Think about situations in your own life where something was sudden, urgent, or steep. Here are some ideas:
- What was a 急な event that changed your plans recently?
- Have you ever had a 急な deadline at work or school?
- Can you describe a 急な slope or hill you've seen?
By actively thinking about and creating your own examples, you'll solidify your understanding of this versatile Japanese adjective. Keep practicing, and you'll find 急な comes naturally in your conversations.
§ Understanding 急な (kyūna)
You've learned that 急な (kyūna) means "steep," "sudden," or "urgent." It's a versatile adjective that you'll hear and see a lot in Japanese. But, like in English, there are other words that express similar ideas. Knowing when to use 急な versus these alternatives will make your Japanese sound much more natural.
- Meaning of 急な (kyūna)
- Steep, sudden, or urgent.
§ 急な (kyūna) vs. 突然 (totsuzen)
Both 急な (kyūna) and 突然 (totsuzen) can convey the idea of "sudden." However, they function differently grammatically and often have slightly different nuances.
-
急な (kyūna) is an adjective (specifically, a na-adjective). This means it directly modifies a noun. You'll use it to describe something that is sudden, steep, or urgent.
急な雨が降り出した。
Hint: A sudden rain started to fall.
急な坂道を登る。
Hint: To climb a steep slope.
-
突然 (totsuzen) is an adverb. This means it modifies verbs or entire clauses, describing how an action happened. It emphasizes the unexpectedness of an event.
彼は突然現れた。
Hint: He suddenly appeared.
突然、電気が消えた。
Hint: Suddenly, the lights went out.
§ 急な (kyūna) vs. 早急な (sakkyūna) / 至急 (shikyū)
When talking about urgency, 急な (kyūna) is a good general word. However, for even higher levels of urgency, you might encounter 早急な (sakkyūna) or 至急 (shikyū).
-
急な (kyūna) indicates something that requires prompt attention, often due to an unexpected event or short notice.
急な用事ができた。
Hint: An urgent errand came up.
-
早急な (sakkyūna) is a stronger way to say "urgent" or "immediate." It implies that something needs to be done very quickly, often used in more formal or business contexts.
早急な対応をお願いします。
Hint: Please respond with immediate action.
-
至急 (shikyū) is an adverb and is even more emphatic than 早急な. It means "as soon as possible" or "immediately" and is often used for very critical situations, like on official documents or emergency requests.
この書類は至急提出してください。
Hint: Please submit these documents immediately.
§ When to Use 急な (kyūna) for "Steep"
For the meaning of "steep," 急な (kyūna) is the primary and most common word you'll use. There aren't many direct synonyms that you need to worry about confusing it with in this context. Just remember to apply it to physical inclines or declines.
山道の急なカーブ。
Hint: A steep curve on the mountain road.
By understanding these differences, you can choose the most appropriate word and express yourself more accurately in Japanese. Keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it!
रोचक तथ्य
Many Japanese words related to speed or urgency have a similar 'kyū' sound, reflecting their shared Chinese roots.
उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका
- Pronouncing the 'u' too long after 'ky'
- Stressing the 'na' more than 'kyu'
कठिनाई स्तर
short and common kanji
short and common kanji
common pronunciation
clear pronunciation
आगे क्या सीखें
आगे सीखें
उन्नत
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
これは急な坂です。
This is a steep hill.
急な用事があります。
I have urgent business.
急に雨が降りました。
It suddenly rained.
急な変更でごめんなさい。
I'm sorry for the sudden change.
急な階段を上ります。
I climb a steep staircase.
急なニュースに驚きました。
I was surprised by the sudden news.
急な用事があるので、帰ります。
I have an urgent matter, so I'm going home.
急な道は危ないです。
Steep roads are dangerous.
これは急な坂道です。
This is a steep hill.
急な雨が降ってきました。
A sudden rain started falling.
急な用事ができました。
I have an urgent errand.
急なカーブに注意してください。
Please be careful of the sharp curve.
急な電話がかかってきた。
I received a sudden phone call.
急な変更で驚いた。
I was surprised by the sudden change.
急な仕事が入った。
An urgent job came in.
急な出張が決まった。
A sudden business trip was decided.
急な坂道なので、運転には注意してください。
It's a steep hill, so please drive carefully.
急な雨が降り始めたので、傘をさしました。
A sudden rain started, so I opened my umbrella.
急な用事ができたので、会議に出られません。
I have urgent business, so I can't attend the meeting.
急な予定変更で、旅行がキャンセルになりました。
Due to a sudden change in plans, the trip was cancelled.
急な出費が多くて、今月は金欠です。
There were many sudden expenses, so I'm short on money this month.
急な質問だったので、すぐに答えられませんでした。
It was a sudden question, so I couldn't answer immediately.
急な体調不良で、早退しました。
I left work early due to sudden poor health.
急な展開に、観客は驚きました。
The audience was surprised by the sudden development.
急な坂道だったので、自転車から降りて押しました。
It was a steep slope, so I got off my bike and pushed it.
急な用事ができたので、パーティーに行けなくなりました。
I had a sudden errand, so I can't go to the party anymore.
急な質問にも、彼はすぐに答えることができた。
He was able to answer even sudden questions immediately.
急な雨で、洗濯物がびしょ濡れになってしまった。
Due to the sudden rain, the laundry got soaking wet.
急な出張が決まり、慌てて準備をしました。
A sudden business trip was decided, and I hastily prepared.
急な気温の変化で、体調を崩しやすいので気を付けてください。
Please be careful as you can easily get sick due to sudden temperature changes.
急な申し出にもかかわらず、快く引き受けてくれた。
Despite the sudden offer, they kindly accepted.
急なカーブが多い道なので、運転には注意が必要です。
It's a road with many sharp curves, so careful driving is necessary.
その山道は急な坂が多く、経験豊富な登山者でも苦労するだろう。
That mountain path has many steep slopes, and even experienced climbers would struggle.
急な (kyū na) is an adjective here, modifying 坂 (saka, slope).
急な用事ができたので、今日の会議は欠席させていただきます。
Something urgent came up, so I will be absent from today's meeting.
急な用事 (kyū na yōji) refers to an urgent matter.
彼女は急な誘いにもかかわらず、快く引き受けてくれた。
Despite the sudden invitation, she gladly accepted.
急な誘い (kyū na sasoi) means a sudden invitation.
市場の急な変動に対応するため、迅速な意思決定が求められる。
To respond to sudden market fluctuations, quick decision-making is required.
急な変動 (kyū na hendō) indicates sudden fluctuations.
急な連絡で申し訳ありませんが、予定を変更させてください。
I apologize for the sudden notice, but please let me change the schedule.
急な連絡 (kyū na renraku) refers to a sudden notice.
その会社の株価は、急な上昇を見せ、投資家を驚かせた。
The company's stock price showed a sudden rise, surprising investors.
急な上昇 (kyū na jōshō) means a sudden rise.
急な出費が重なり、今月の家計は赤字になってしまった。
Due to a series of sudden expenses, this month's household budget went into the red.
急な出費 (kyū na shuppi) refers to sudden expenses.
彼は急な方向転換で、後続車を驚かせた。
He surprised the following car with a sudden change of direction.
急な方向転換 (kyū na hōkō tenkan) indicates a sudden change of direction.
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
急な用事が入った。
I have urgent business/something urgent came up.
急な坂道を登る。
To climb a steep hill.
急な変更で困っています。
I'm troubled by the sudden change.
急な出費でお金がない。
I don't have money due to a sudden expense.
急な雨が降ってきた。
It suddenly started raining.
急なことで驚いた。
I was surprised by the suddenness of it.
急な電話がかかってきた。
I received an urgent call.
急なカーブに注意してください。
Please be careful of the sharp curve.
急な仕事が舞い込んできた。
An urgent job came up/fell into my lap.
急な来客があったので、準備が必要だ。
There was a sudden visitor, so preparation is needed.
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
When talking about a hill or slope, 急な (kyū na) means 'steep.' For example, 急な坂 (kyū na saka) means 'a steep hill.' You can also use it to describe something that happens unexpectedly or quickly, like 急な予定 (kyū na yotei) for 'a sudden plan' or 急な仕事 (kyū na shigoto) for 'urgent work.'
A common mistake is confusing 急な (kyū na) with 速い (hayai). While both can imply speed, 急な emphasizes suddenness or urgency, whereas 速い simply means 'fast.' For instance, you wouldn't say 急な車 (kyū na kuruma) for a 'fast car,' you'd use 速い車 (hayai kuruma). However, you could say 急なスピード (kyū na supīdo) to mean 'sudden speed' (like a sudden acceleration).
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
From Middle Chinese 'kjiw' (急), meaning 'urgent' or 'sudden.'
मूल अर्थ: Urgent, sudden.
Sino-Japanese (kango)सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
When describing a physical incline like a hill or stairs, 急な (kyūna) implies a challenging steepness. In social contexts, it often refers to something unexpected or a sudden change in plans, carrying a nuance of needing quick attention or adjustment. For example, a 急な用事 (kyūna yōji) is an urgent errand that requires immediate action. It can also describe a sudden, abrupt shift, like a 急な展開 (kyūna tenkai), which means a sudden development or turn of events.
खुद को परखो 48 सवाल
Choose the best English meaning for 「急な」.
「急な」 can mean 'steep' when talking about slopes or hills.
Which sentence uses 「急な」 correctly to mean 'sudden'?
「急な」 is used here to describe something happening unexpectedly, like a sudden rain.
If you have a 「急な用事」, what kind of errand is it?
「急な用事」 refers to an urgent or pressing matter.
「急な坂」 means a 'gentle slope'.
「急な坂」 means a 'steep slope', not a gentle one.
If someone makes a 「急な発表」, it means they announced it suddenly.
「急な発表」 means a sudden announcement.
You can use 「急な」 to describe a very calm person.
「急な」 describes things that are steep, sudden, or urgent, not a calm personality.
This is a steep hill. (Kore wa kyūna sakamichi desu.)
Something urgent came up. (Kyūna yōji ga dekimashita.)
It suddenly started raining. (Kyū ni ame ga futte kimashita.)
Read this aloud:
急な階段
Focus: kyūna kaidan
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
急なニュース
Focus: kyūna nyūsu
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
急な電話
Focus: kyūna denwa
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'This hill is steep.' The natural order in Japanese is 'This hill is steep.'
This sentence means 'Something urgent came up.' The natural order in Japanese is 'Urgent business came up.'
This sentence means 'He stopped suddenly.' The natural order in Japanese is 'He suddenly stopped.'
This sentence means 'The party was suddenly canceled.' The adverb 急に (kyuuni) modifies the verb 中止になった (chuushi ni natta).
This sentence means 'To climb a steep slope.' 急な (kyuuna) is a na-adjective modifying 坂道 (sakamichi, slope).
This sentence means 'An urgent matter came up.' 急な (kyuuna) is a na-adjective modifying 用事 (youji, errand/matter).
The speaker is talking about cycling up a steep hill.
Someone has an urgent matter and cannot attend a meeting.
Someone surprised others with a sudden change of direction.
Read this aloud:
急な出費で困っている。
Focus: kyū na shuppi de komatte iru
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
この道は急なカーブが多いので、運転には注意が必要だ。
Focus: kono michi wa kyū na kābu ga ōi node, unten ni wa chūi ga hitsuyō da
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
急な雨が降ってきたので、洗濯物を取り込んだ。
Focus: kyū na ame ga futte kita node, sentakumono o torikonda
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you're planning a trip to a mountainous region in Japan. Describe a situation where you might encounter a '急な' (steep) path or slope. Explain how you would prepare for it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は日本の山間部への旅行を計画しています。そこでは急な山道に遭遇するかもしれません。そのため、滑りにくい靴を履き、体力をつけて、水筒や非常食を準備するつもりです。
You receive a '急な' (sudden) request at work that requires immediate attention. Describe the request and how you would prioritize and handle it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
仕事で急な依頼がありました。それは、明日までの資料作成です。他の業務との優先順位をつけ、必要な情報をすぐに集め、集中して作業を進めます。もし間に合わない場合は、上司に相談します。
Describe a personal experience where you had to deal with a '急な' (urgent) situation. What happened and how did you resolve it?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
先日、友人が急な体調不良に見舞われました。すぐに病院に連れて行き、付き添いました。幸い、大事には至らず、一安心しました。このような状況では、冷静に対応することが重要だと学びました。
山田さんが遭遇した「急な」出来事は何ですか？
Read this passage:
山田さんは、週末にハイキングに出かけました。しかし、途中で急な雨に降られてしまい、持っていた地図も濡れてしまいました。幸い、近くに避難できる小屋を見つけることができ、事なきを得ました。
山田さんが遭遇した「急な」出来事は何ですか？
文章中に「急な雨に降られてしまい」とあるため、急な雨が正解です。
文章中に「急な雨に降られてしまい」とあるため、急な雨が正解です。
田中さんの会社で起こった「急な」出来事は何ですか？
Read this passage:
田中さんの会社では、来週から新しいプロジェクトが始まります。しかし、昨日、社長から急な方針転換が発表され、プロジェクトの計画を大幅に見直すことになりました。チームは混乱していますが、皆で協力して乗り切ろうとしています。
田中さんの会社で起こった「急な」出来事は何ですか？
文章中に「社長から急な方針転換が発表され」とあるため、急な方針転換が正解です。
文章中に「社長から急な方針転換が発表され」とあるため、急な方針転換が正解です。
佐藤さんが経験した「急な」状況はどのようなものでしたか？
Read this passage:
佐藤さんは、旅行中にスマートフォンを紛失してしまいました。充電も切れ、道に迷ってしまったため、急な困った状況に陥りました。通りがかりの人に助けを求め、ようやくホテルに戻ることができました。
佐藤さんが経験した「急な」状況はどのようなものでしたか？
文章中に「急な困った状況に陥りました」とあるため、急な困った状況が正解です。
文章中に「急な困った状況に陥りました」とあるため、急な困った状況が正解です。
Listen for why he abruptly left the meeting.
Listen for the description of the road.
Listen for what made the household budget difficult.
Read this aloud:
今日の会議は急な依頼で、議題もまだはっきりしていません。
Focus: 急な (kyūna)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
急な連絡で申し訳ありませんが、明日の予定は変更になりました。
Focus: 申し訳ありません (mōshiwake arimasen)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
その山道は急なカーブが多く、運転には細心の注意が必要です。
Focus: 細心の注意 (saishin no chūi)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The sentence describes a mountain path with a 'steep gradient'. '急な' modifies '勾配' (gradient).
This sentence means 'Despite the sudden news, he responded calmly.' '急な' modifies '知らせ' (news).
The sentence translates to 'She missed the meeting due to urgent business.' '急な' modifies '用事' (business/errand).
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
急な (kyūna) is a versatile adjective to describe things that are steep, sudden, or urgent.
- Use 急な for inclines like hills or stairs.
- Use 急な for unexpected events or changes.
- Use 急な for urgent tasks or appointments.
उदाहरण
急な坂道を登った。
संबंधित सामग्री
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
geography के और शब्द
〜を越えて
B1Across or over (a boundary or obstacle).
〜通って
A2Through, via; passing through a place.
近くに
A2Nearby, in the vicinity, or close to.
〜の間に
A2Between, among; indicating a position in relation to others.
〜を通って
A2Through (a place or medium).
移動する
A2To move from one place to another.
下る
A2To descend, go down, or come down.
夜景
A2A night view, typically of a city or landscape.
達する
A2To reach, attain, or get to a point.
超える
A2To cross over, exceed, or go beyond.
