It describes a state of having too much to do and not enough time.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used when someone has too many things to do.
- Commonly used in daily life and business settings.
- Indicates a lack of free time or mental space.
Overview
- 1概要：「忙しい」は、日本語学習において最も基本的かつ頻繁に使用される形容詞の一つです。単に「時間がない」という状態だけでなく、精神的な余裕がないニュアンスを含むこともあります。2) 使用パターン：「名詞＋が忙しい」という形が一般的です（例：仕事が忙しい）。また、「忙しい人」のように名詞を修飾することも可能です。3) 一般的な文脈：ビジネスシーンでの挨拶（お忙しいところすみません）や、友人との会話（最近忙しい？）で幅広く使われます。4) 類語との比較：「多忙（たぼう）」はよりフォーマルで、書き言葉として使われます。「取り込んでいる」は、一時的に何か特定の作業に集中していて手が離せないというニュアンスが強いです。
Examples
最近、とても忙しいです。
everydayI am very busy lately.
お忙しいところ、恐れ入ります。
formalI am sorry to disturb you while you are busy.
忙しくて、全然寝てないよ。
informalI'm so busy, I haven't slept at all.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
お忙しい中
during your busy time
忙しいフリをする
to pretend to be busy
忙しすぎて死にそう
so busy I could die
Often Confused With
This is the exact opposite of 'isogashii', meaning free or having nothing to do.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'isogashii' for general busy states. In professional settings, always use the honorific 'o-isogashii' to show respect. It is an i-adjective, so it conjugates as 'isogashikatta' for past tense.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use 'no' instead of 'ga' before 'isogashii'. Also, avoid saying 'isogashii desu' to a superior without an introductory apology. Remember that it is an adjective, not a verb.
Tips
Use with particles correctly
Usually, you use the particle 'ga' before 'isogashii' to indicate what is keeping you busy, such as 'shigoto ga isogashii'.
Avoid using it towards superiors
Saying 'isogashii desu ka?' to your boss can sound rude. Instead, use 'o-isogashii tokoro...' to soften the tone.
Busy culture in Japan
Being busy is often seen as a sign of being productive or important in Japanese society.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'isogu' (to hurry). The state of being busy is fundamentally linked to the act of hurrying.
Cultural Context
In Japan, expressing that you are busy is a common way to explain why you cannot attend an event or respond quickly. It is often used as a polite excuse.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone running around with a clock in their hand. 'Isogashii' sounds like 'is-go-she' (is she going?), reminding you of someone rushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions「忙しい」は日常会話で使われる一般的な言葉です。「多忙」は硬い表現で、ビジネスメールやニュースなどの書き言葉としてよく使われます。
「忙しくない」と言います。丁寧な形では「忙しくありません」となります。
はい、使えます。「今日は忙しい日だ」のように、期間や特定の時間に対しても使用可能です。
Test Yourself
最近、仕事が___です。
仕事が多い状態を表す形容詞は「忙しい」です。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes a state of having too much to do and not enough time.
- Used when someone has too many things to do.
- Commonly used in daily life and business settings.
- Indicates a lack of free time or mental space.
Use with particles correctly
Usually, you use the particle 'ga' before 'isogashii' to indicate what is keeping you busy, such as 'shigoto ga isogashii'.
Avoid using it towards superiors
Saying 'isogashii desu ka?' to your boss can sound rude. Instead, use 'o-isogashii tokoro...' to soften the tone.
Busy culture in Japan
Being busy is often seen as a sign of being productive or important in Japanese society.
Examples
3 of 3最近、とても忙しいです。
I am very busy lately.
お忙しいところ、恐れ入ります。
I am sorry to disturb you while you are busy.
忙しくて、全然寝てないよ。
I'm so busy, I haven't slept at all.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
