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B1 adverb #2,500 most common 7 min read

至急

shikyu Top 2,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 至急 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 至急 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn Japanese. You might not use '至急' (shikyū) yourself yet, as you usually learn simpler words like '早く' (hayaku - fast/early) first. However, you might see '至急' on signs or in simple emails. Think of it like the word 'URGENT' in English. It tells you that the information is very important and you should look at it right away. In A1, we focus on recognizing the kanji: '至' (reaching a point) and '急' (hurry). If you see these two characters together, it means someone wants something done very quickly. For example, in a classroom, a teacher might say 'shikyū' if they need a student to come to the office immediately. It is a 'level up' from 'hayaku' because it sounds more official. Even at this basic level, knowing this word helps you identify which parts of a message are the most important. You don't need to worry about the grammar too much yet; just remember that 'shikyū' equals 'very fast' in a serious way.

At the A2 level, you are beginning to handle routine tasks in Japanese. You should start to recognize '至急' (shikyū) as a common business and formal word. While you might still use '早く' (hayaku) in your daily life with friends, '至急' is what you will hear in shops or see in work-related contexts. For instance, if you are working a part-time job in Japan, your boss might tell you to '至急' clean a spill. This means you should stop what you are doing and do that task first. You will also see this word in email subject lines. At A2, you can start using it in simple sentences like '至急、お願いします' (shikyū onegaishimasu), which means 'Urgently, please.' This is a very useful phrase when you need help quickly but want to remain polite. You should also notice that 'shikyū' is often used without any particles (like 'ni' or 'de') when it comes at the start of a sentence. This makes it easy to add to your vocabulary as a 'block' of meaning.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand and use '至急' (shikyū) appropriately in various contexts, especially in professional or formal settings. This is the level where you distinguish between 'shikyū' and other words like 'kinkyū' (emergency) or 'tadatini' (immediately). You understand that 'shikyū' is about priority—putting a task at the top of the list. You can now use it to modify nouns, such as '至急の仕事' (shikyū no shigoto - an urgent job). In B1, you are also learning to soften your requests. Instead of just saying 'shikyū,' you might say '至急、ご確認いただけますか？' (Could you please check this urgently?). This shows you understand the social hierarchy and how to be polite while still expressing urgency. You are likely using this word in emails to colleagues or when calling a service center to report a problem. You also recognize it in news reports or public announcements. At this stage, 'shikyū' becomes a tool for managing expectations and clearly communicating the importance of time in your interactions.

At the B2 level, you have a nuanced understanding of '至急' (shikyū) and can use it with confidence in complex business negotiations or formal writing. You understand the subtle pressure this word applies. You know that using 'shikyū' too often can make you seem disorganized or overly demanding, so you use it strategically. You are also familiar with more advanced grammatical structures involving the word, such as '至急を要する' (shikyū o yōsuru - to require urgency). You can compare and contrast 'shikyū' with '早急' (sōkyū), knowing that 'sōkyū' might be preferred in a formal written report to a board of directors, while 'shikyū' is perfect for a quick Slack message or an internal memo. Your listening skills are sharp enough to catch the tone of voice when someone says 'shikyū'—whether it's a genuine plea for help, a strict command, or a standardized procedural instruction. You can also handle the word in passive contexts, like '至急の対応が求められている' (Urgent action is being demanded), which is common in news or corporate analysis.

At the C1 level, your use of '至急' (shikyū) is near-native. You understand its place within the broader landscape of Japanese honorifics and professional etiquette. You can use it in high-stakes environments, such as legal disputes or medical coordination, where the distinction between 'shikyū' (process urgency) and 'kinkyū' (situational emergency) is critical. You are also aware of the historical and kanji-based nuances—how the character '至' implies reaching the absolute limit of something, giving 'shikyū' a sense of 'the utmost' that 'hayaku' lacks. You can write complex business emails where 'shikyū' is integrated into multi-clause sentences, balanced with appropriate humble or respectful language to maintain 'wa' (harmony). You also recognize the word in literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used metaphorically or to describe historical events requiring swift action. Your mastery allows you to use 'shikyū' not just as a vocabulary word, but as a rhetorical device to emphasize the gravity of a situation without resorting to hyperbole.

At the C2 level, you possess a complete mastery of '至急' (shikyū) and all its technical and social implications. You can navigate the most sensitive situations where the timing of an action is paramount, using 'shikyū' alongside other specialized terms like '火急' (kakyū - burning urgency) or '即刻' (sokkoku - instantly). You understand the legal weight of 'shikyū' in contracts or official directives, where its presence can change the interpretation of a deadline. You are capable of debating the nuances of urgency in Japanese vs. English, explaining why 'shikyū' isn't always a direct translation of 'ASAP' due to the cultural expectations of responsiveness in Japan. Your ability to use the word is fluid, whether you are giving a keynote speech, writing a technical manual, or engaging in high-level diplomacy. You can also appreciate the word's role in the 'bi-dō' (aesthetics of movement) in traditional arts or martial arts, where a 'shikyū' response might be required in a metaphorical sense. For a C2 learner, 'shikyū' is a fully integrated part of a sophisticated linguistic repertoire.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

至急 in 30 Seconds

至急 (shikyū) is a high-priority Japanese word meaning 'urgently' or 'immediately,' primarily used in business and formal contexts to signal that a task needs instant attention.
Composed of the kanji for 'utmost' and 'hurry,' it is stronger and more formal than the common word 'hayaku,' making it essential for professional email communication and workplace directives.
Unlike 'kinkyū' (emergency), which describes a dangerous situation, 'shikyū' focuses on the speed of the required response, often used in subject lines as 【至急】 to catch the recipient's eye.
It can function as an adverb or a noun with the particle 'no,' and while powerful, it should be used judiciously to avoid creating unnecessary stress in social or professional relationships.

The Japanese word 至急 (shikyū) is a cornerstone of professional and urgent communication in Japan. Formed by the kanji 至 (meaning 'to reach' or 'utmost') and 急 (meaning 'hurry' or 'sudden'), the word literally translates to the 'utmost hurry.' In practice, it functions as an adverb or a noun that modifies actions, signaling that something requires immediate attention, often bypassing standard protocols or queues due to its importance.

Business Context: In the Japanese workplace, shikyū is most frequently encountered in email subject lines, internal memos, and verbal commands from supervisors. When a manager says, 'Shikyū onegaishimasu,' they are not just asking for speed; they are indicating that the task has shifted to the highest priority level. It is the verbal equivalent of a red 'Urgent' stamp on a physical folder.
Logistics and Services: You will also see this word in the context of shipping and repairs. A 'shikyū-bin' (至急便) refers to an express delivery service. If a water pipe bursts in an apartment, the tenant might call a plumber and request a 'shikyū' repair. It implies a situation that cannot wait until tomorrow without causing significant issues.

この書類を至急、社長に届けてください。
— Please deliver these documents to the president immediately.

Understanding the weight of shikyū is vital for navigating Japanese social hierarchies. Using it toward a superior can sometimes be seen as pushy or rude unless the situation truly warrants it. Conversely, when a superior uses it with a subordinate, it is a clear directive that other work should be set aside. It is often paired with polite endings like 'negaitai' or 'itashimasu' to soften the command while maintaining the urgency. In digital communication, placing 【至急】 at the start of an email subject line is a standard practice to ensure the recipient opens it before any other messages in their inbox.

Grammatically, 至急 (shikyū) is versatile. It most commonly acts as an adverb, appearing before a verb to describe the manner in which an action should be performed. However, it can also function as a 'no-adjective' (至急の) or even a standalone noun in specific headings.

Adverbial Usage: When used as an adverb, it often appears as '至急、[Verb]'. For example, '至急、返信してください' (Please reply urgently). The comma after shikyū is optional but common in writing to emphasize the urgency of the following request.
Noun Modification: To describe an urgent matter or task, you use the particle 'no'. '至急の案件' (shikyū no anken) means 'an urgent matter.' This structure is very common in formal reports and professional updates where a specific item is flagged for immediate review.

部長から至急の連絡が入りました。
— An urgent message came in from the department manager.

In many cases, shikyū is used in conjunction with 'onegai' (request). A common phrase is '至急お願いします' (shikyū onegaishimasu), which translates to 'Urgently, please.' This is a polite yet firm way to ask someone to prioritize a task. In more formal writing, such as legal or official government documents, you might see '至急を要する' (shikyū o yōsuru), meaning 'to require urgency.' This phrase elevates the tone and indicates that the necessity for speed is an objective requirement of the situation, rather than just a personal request.

You will encounter 至急 (shikyū) in environments where time is of the essence. It is not a word for casual hangouts, but rather for structured environments where efficiency and responsiveness are valued.

The Modern Office: Listen for it during morning meetings (chōrei) or when a project deadline is suddenly moved up. If a client is waiting on the phone, a colleague might hand you a note saying '至急、折り返し電話を' (Call back urgently). It is the pulse of the Japanese corporate speed.
Public Announcements: In train stations or airports, announcements regarding lost items or passengers who need to come to an information desk often use '至急'. '至急、お近くの係員にお知らせください' (Please inform a nearby staff member immediately) is a common refrain during minor incidents or security checks.

【至急】サーバーメンテナンスのお知らせ
— [Urgent] Notice of Server Maintenance (Common Email Subject)

In media, specifically police procedurals or medical dramas, shikyū is used constantly. Detectives might shout '至急、応援を頼む！' (Request backup immediately!) or doctors might call for '至急、オペ室の準備を' (Prepare the operating room urgently!). These contexts reinforce the word's association with critical, time-sensitive actions. Even in daily life, if you lose your credit card, the customer service representative will tell you they are '至急、カードを停止します' (stopping the card immediately) to provide reassurance that the problem is being handled with the highest priority.

While 至急 (shikyū) is a B1 level word, its social application can be tricky for learners. The most common errors involve register and confusing it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning terms.

Register Mismatch: Using 'shikyū' with close friends can sound strangely formal or even robotic. If you want a friend to hurry, 'hayaku' (早く) is much more natural. Saying 'Shikyū kite!' to a friend sounds like you are a boss giving an order, which might create an awkward atmosphere.
Confusion with 'Sōkyū': The word '早急' (sōkyū or sakkyū) also means 'urgent.' While they are often interchangeable, 'shikyū' is slightly more common in spoken requests and email subjects, whereas '早急' is often used in formal written reports to describe the need for a prompt resolution to a problem.

❌ 友達に：至急、LINEして。
✅ 友達に：早くLINEして。
— Correcting the register for casual conversations.

Another mistake is using shikyū when 'tadatini' (直ちに) is more appropriate. 'Tadatini' means 'immediately' in a chronological sense (right this second), whereas shikyū focuses on the priority of the task. If a fire alarm goes off, you leave 'tadatini.' If you need a report finished by the end of the day because of an unexpected meeting, you do it 'shikyū.' Understanding this distinction helps you sound more like a native speaker who understands the nuances of time management in Japan.

Japanese has several ways to express urgency. Choosing the right one depends on the level of danger, the formality of the situation, and whether you are describing an action or a state.

至急 (Shikyū) vs. 緊急 (Kinkyū): 至急: Focuses on the speed of the action. 'Please do this fast.' Common in business.
緊急: Focuses on the emergency of the situation. 'This is a crisis.' Used for accidents, natural disasters, and medical emergencies.
至急 (Shikyū) vs. 早急 (Sōkyū): 至急: More common in direct requests and email subjects. Feels more 'active.'
早急: Often used in formal statements like 'We need a prompt response' (早急な対応が必要です). It sounds slightly more academic or bureaucratic.
至急 (Shikyū) vs. 直ちに (Tadatini): 至急: Prioritization. 'Do this before other things.'
直ちに: Temporal immediacy. 'Do this without a single second of delay.' Often used in legal orders or safety instructions.

「至急」はビジネスの依頼に、「緊急」は命に関わることに使います。
— 'Shikyū' is for business requests; 'Kinkyū' is for life-related matters.

For learners, mastering shikyū is the first step toward professional Japanese. If you are in a situation where you aren't sure which to use, 'shikyū' is generally a safe bet for any workplace request that needs to happen today. However, if you are calling an ambulance, you must use 'kinkyū.' If you are writing a very formal apology letter to a client, 'sōkyū' might make you sound more sophisticated. By varying these terms, you demonstrate a deep understanding of the context and the 'weight' of the time-sensitivity you are communicating.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '至' also appears in '夏至' (Geshi - Summer Solstice), meaning the 'peak' of summer. In '至急', it implies the 'peak' of hurry.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ʃiː.kjuː

US ʃi.kju

The stress is relatively flat, but there is a slight high-to-low pitch accent (Atamadaka) in some dialects, though standard Japanese often treats it as Heiban (flat).

Rhymes With

支給 (shikyū - payment) 子宮 (shikyū - uterus) 死球 (shikyū - dead ball in baseball) 刺客 (shikaku - assassin, partial rhyme) 離宮 (rikyū) 研究 (kenkyū) 連休 (renkyū) 野球 (yakyū)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shi' too long like 'shee'.
Failing to extend the 'u' in 'kyū'.
Pronouncing it as 'shiku' instead of 'shikyū'.
Over-emphasizing the 'i' in 'shi'.
Mixing up the pitch so it sounds like 'shikyū' (with a rising tone on 'shi').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require knowing the B1 level readings.

Writing 4/5

Writing '至' correctly requires attention to stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once you master the long vowel.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound that is easy to pick out in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

早い (hayai) 急ぐ (isogu) お願い (onegai) 仕事 (shigoto) 連絡 (renraku)

Learn Next

緊急 (kinkyū) 早急 (sōkyū) 直ちに (tadatini) 迅速 (jinsoku) 優先 (yūsen)

Advanced

火急 (kakyū) 喫緊 (kikkin) 即刻 (sokkoku) 不測 (fusoku) 猶予 (yūyo)

Grammar to Know

Adverbial use of nouns

至急、行きます。

Noun modification with の

至急の用事。

Formal imperative with なさい

至急、やりなさい。

Polite request with いただけますでしょうか

至急、ご確認いただけますでしょうか。

Indicating necessity with 必要があります

至急、対応する必要があります。

Examples by Level

至急、来てください。

Please come urgently.

至急 is used here as an adverb at the start of the sentence.

至急、電話をください。

Please call me urgently.

電話をください means 'please give me a call'.

至急、メールを読みます。

I will read the email urgently.

The verb 読みます is in the polite present/future form.

これは至急の仕事です。

This is an urgent job.

至急の modifies the noun 仕事 (job).

至急、あそこに行ってください。

Please go over there urgently.

あそこ means 'over there'.

至急、水をください。

Please give me water urgently.

Simple request using をください.

至急、名前を書いてください。

Please write your name urgently.

Te-form + kudasai is a standard polite request.

至急、田中さんに会います。

I will meet Mr. Tanaka urgently.

Tanaka-san is the person being met.

至急、この資料をコピーしてください。

Please copy these documents urgently.

資料 (shiryō) means 'documents' or 'materials'.

至急、部長に報告します。

I will report to the department manager urgently.

報告 (hōkoku) is a key business term for 'reporting'.

至急、タクシーを呼んでください。

Please call a taxi urgently.

呼ぶ (yobu) means 'to call' or 'to hail'.

至急の用事があるので、帰ります。

I'm going home because I have urgent business.

用事 (yōji) refers to 'errands' or 'business'.

至急、確認をお願いします。

Urgent check, please.

確認 (kakunin) means 'confirmation' or 'checking'.

至急、薬を買ってきます。

I will go and buy medicine urgently.

買ってきます means 'buy and come back'.

至急、パスポートを探してください。

Please look for the passport urgently.

探す (sagasu) means 'to look for'.

至急、返信をいただければ助かります。

It would be helpful if I could get a reply urgently.

助かります (tasukarimasu) is a common way to express gratitude for help.

至急、本件についてご検討ください。

Please consider this matter urgently.

検討 (kentō) means 'consideration' or 'examination'.

至急、現場の状況を確認しに行きます。

I am going to check the situation on-site urgently.

現場 (genba) means 'the actual site' or 'the scene'.

このメールは至急の案件ですので、優先してください。

This email is an urgent matter, so please prioritize it.

優先 (yūsen) means 'priority'.

至急、折り返しお電話をいただけますでしょうか。

Could you please give me a call back urgently?

折り返し (orikaeshi) means 'calling back' or 'by return'.

至急、システムを復旧させる必要があります。

復旧 (fukkyū) means 'restoration' or 'recovery'.

至急、不足している部品を発注しました。

I have ordered the missing parts urgently.

発注 (hatchū) means 'placing an order'.

至急、会議室を予約しておいてください。

Please have a meeting room reserved urgently.

~ておく implies doing something in advance.

至急、お客様にお詫びの連絡を入れなさい。

Contact the customer urgently to apologize.

なさい is a firm command form used by superiors.

事態は至急を要するため、直ちに行動を開始してください。

The situation requires urgency, so please start acting immediately.

至急を要する is a formal expression for 'requiring urgency'.

至急、代替案を作成し、明日までに提出すること。

Create an alternative plan urgently and submit it by tomorrow.

こと at the end of a sentence can indicate a command in writing.

至急の対応が不可能な場合は、その旨をお知らせください。

If urgent action is impossible, please inform us to that effect.

その旨 (sono mune) means 'to that effect' or 'that point'.

至急、予算の見直しを行うよう指示がありました。

Instructions were given to conduct an urgent budget review.

指示 (shiji) means 'instructions' or 'directions'.

至急、関係各所に周知徹底を図る必要があります。

It is necessary to ensure that all related parties are fully informed urgently.

周知徹底 (shūchi tettei) means 'making something thoroughly known'.

至急、原因究明のための調査チームを編成しました。

An investigation team was organized urgently to determine the cause.

原因究明 (genin kyūmei) means 'investigating the cause'.

この件は至急扱いとなりますので、通常のフローとは異なります。

This case will be handled as urgent, so it differs from the usual flow.

扱い (atsukai) means 'handling' or 'treatment'.

至急、契約内容を再確認し、修正案を提示してください。

Re-confirm the contract details urgently and present a draft revision.

提示 (teiji) means 'presentation' or 'exhibition'.

至急、不祥事に関するプレスリリースを準備せよ。

Prepare a press release regarding the scandal urgently.

せよ is the imperative form of する, used in formal commands.

当局は、至急、避難勧告を発令する構えを見せている。

The authorities are showing signs of issuing an urgent evacuation advisory.

構えを見せている means 'showing a stance' or 'preparing to'.

至急、債権者との交渉の席を設けるべきだとの結論に達した。

We reached the conclusion that we should urgently set up a meeting with creditors.

席を設ける means 'to set up a seat' or 'to arrange a meeting'.

本プロジェクトの遅延は、至急解決すべき喫緊の課題である。

The delay of this project is a pressing issue that must be resolved urgently.

喫緊 (kikkin) means 'pressing' or 'urgent' (very formal).

至急、法務部と連携して、法的リスクの洗い出しを行ってください。

Collaborate with the legal department urgently to identify legal risks.

洗い出し (araidashi) means 'identifying' or 'listing up'.

至急、市場の動向を分析し、戦略の軌道修正を図らなければならない。

We must analyze market trends urgently and aim for a strategic course correction.

軌道修正 (kidō shūsei) means 'course correction'.

至急、在庫状況を精査し、欠品を最小限に抑えるよう手配せよ。

Scrutinize the inventory status urgently and arrange to minimize stockouts.

精査 (seisa) means 'close inspection' or 'scrutiny'.

至急、各支店長に召集をかけ、緊急会議を開催することとなった。

It was decided to urgently summon each branch manager and hold an emergency meeting.

召集 (shōshū) means 'summons' or 'calling together'.

国難とも言えるこの事態に際し、政府は至急、経済対策を打ち出した。

In the face of this national crisis, the government urgently launched economic measures.

打ち出す (uchidasu) means 'to set forth' or 'to announce'.

至急、サプライチェーンの脆弱性を克服するための抜本的な改革が求められる。

Drastic reforms to overcome supply chain vulnerabilities are urgently required.

抜本的 (bapponteki) means 'drastic' or 'radical'.

至急、人道支援の枠組みを構築し、被災地への物資輸送を加速させる必要がある。

It is necessary to urgently build a humanitarian aid framework and accelerate the transport of supplies to disaster areas.

構築 (kōchiku) means 'construction' or 'building' (of a system).

至急、サイバー攻撃の全容を解明し、セキュリティ基盤の再構築を断行せよ。

Urgently clarify the full extent of the cyber attack and carry out the reconstruction of the security foundation.

断行 (dankō) means 'carrying out decisively'.

至急、パンデミックの拡大を阻止すべく、国際的な協力体制を強化しなければならない。

In order to prevent the spread of the pandemic, international cooperation must be urgently strengthened.

すべく is a formal way to say 'in order to'.

至急、エネルギー政策の転換を図り、脱炭素社会の実現に向けた歩みを早めるべきだ。

We should urgently shift energy policy and quicken our steps toward realizing a decarbonized society.

転換 (tenkan) means 'conversion' or 'diversion'.

至急、AI技術の倫理的ガイドラインを策定し、技術の暴走を未然に防ぐ策を講じよ。

Urgently formulate ethical guidelines for AI technology and take measures to prevent technology from running amok.

策を講じる (saku o kōjiru) means 'to take measures'.

至急、少子高齢化に伴う労働力不足を解消するための多角的なアプローチを検討されたい。

Please urgently consider a multi-faceted approach to resolve the labor shortage accompanying the declining birthrate and aging population.

されたい is a highly formal way to express a request.

Synonyms

大急ぎで緊急に即座に直ちに一刻も早く

Antonyms

悠々と後でゆっくり

Common Collocations

至急、連絡する

至急の案件

至急を要する

至急便

至急扱い

至急、確認する

至急、戻る

至急、手配する

至急、報告する

至急、対応する

Common Phrases

至急お願いします

— A polite but firm way to ask for something urgently. Used in emails and verbal requests.

この修正、至急お願いします。

至急の用

— An urgent errand or business. Often used as an excuse to leave or interrupt.

至急の用ができてしまいました。

至急、折り返し

— Short for 'please call back urgently.' Common in phone messages.

至急、折り返しお電話をください。

至急確認

— Urgent confirmation. Often used as a header in documents or emails.

【至急確認】明日のスケジュールについて

至急返信

— Urgent reply. Used when you need an answer immediately.

至急返信をいただけると助かります。

至急対応

— Urgent response or handling of a situation.

トラブルに対して至急対応しました。

至急配送

— Urgent delivery. Used in shipping and logistics.

至急配送のオプションを選びました。

至急召集

— Urgent summons or calling of a meeting.

役員が至急召集された。

至急停止

— Urgent stop. Used for systems, credit cards, or machinery.

カードを至急停止してください。

至急連絡乞う

— A very formal, telegraphic way of saying 'Urgent contact requested.'

至急連絡乞う。

Often Confused With

至急 vs 支給 (shikyū)

Sounds identical but means 'payment' or 'provision' (e.g., salary payment).

至急 vs 子宮 (shikyū)

Sounds identical but means 'uterus'. Context prevents most confusion.

至急 vs 死球 (shikyū)

Sounds identical but means 'dead ball' (hit by pitch) in baseball.

Idioms & Expressions

"至急を要する"

— To require immediate action or urgency. This is the standard formal idiom.

その対策は至急を要する。

Formal

"火急の的"

— A target of burning urgency (less common but very descriptive).

改善が火急の的となっている。

Literary

"待ったなし"

— No time to wait; used when a situation has reached a critical point.

至急、対応が必要だ。もう待ったなしだ。

Neutral

"一刻を争う"

— Every second counts; to compete for a single moment.

至急、病院へ！一刻を争う事態だ。

Neutral

"泥縄"

— Making a rope after the thief is caught (acting too late). Often used as a warning to act 'shikyū' instead.

泥縄にならないよう、至急準備しよう。

Idiomatic

"尻に火がつく"

— One's rear is on fire (to be pressed by time or necessity).

締切が迫って尻に火がついたので、至急進めます。

Informal

"秒読み"

— Countdown; used when a deadline or event is imminent.

至急、最終確認を。公開まで秒読みだ。

Neutral

"矢の催促"

— Requests like arrows (constant, urgent reminders).

客から矢の催促が来ているので、至急仕上げて。

Neutral

"手のひらを返す"

— To suddenly change one's attitude (sometimes used when someone suddenly becomes 'shikyū' about something they ignored).

急に手のひらを返して至急だと言ってきた。

Neutral

"急がば回れ"

— More haste, less speed (slow and steady wins the race). Used as a counter-advice to 'shikyū'.

至急だが、急がば回れで丁寧に進めよう。

Proverb

Easily Confused

至急 vs 緊急 (kinkyū)

Both mean urgent.

Kinkyū is for emergencies/crises (fire, injury). Shikyū is for speed of action (business tasks).

緊急車両 (Emergency vehicle) vs 至急便 (Express mail)

至急 vs 早急 (sōkyū)

Both mean urgent/prompt.

Sōkyū is more formal and used in written reports. Shikyū is more common in direct requests.

早急な改善を求める (Demand prompt improvement).

至急 vs 直ちに (tadatini)

Both imply 'right now'.

Tadatini means 'instantly' without a second's delay. Shikyū means 'prioritize this task'.

直ちに避難してください (Evacuate immediately).

至急 vs 早速 (sassoku)

Both relate to speed.

Sassoku is positive/proactive ('Right away!'). Shikyū is pressuring/urgent.

早速やってみます (I'll try it right away).

至急 vs 急ぎ (isogi)

Both mean hurry.

Isogi is a simple noun/adjective for 'haste'. Shikyū is the formal adverbial term.

急ぎの仕事 (A hurried job).

Sentence Patterns

至急、[Verb-te] ください。

至急、読んでください。

至急、[Verb-masu stem] お願いします。

至急、確認お願いします。

至急の [Noun] です。

至急の用件です。

至急、[Verb] 必要があります。

至急、返信する必要があります。

[Noun] は至急を要します。

この件は至急を要します。

至急、[Verb-dictionary] べきです。

至急、対応するべきです。

至急、[Verb-stem] 乞う。

至急、連絡乞う。

至急、[Noun] の [Noun] を図る。

至急、事態の収拾を図る。

Word Family

Nouns

至急 (Urgency)

至急便 (Express delivery)

至急報 (Urgent report)

Verbs

至急する (To hurry - rare, usually used as an adverb with other verbs)

Adjectives

至急の (Urgent)

急ぐ (To hurry)

急ぎ (Haste)

急行 (Express train)

急変 (Sudden change)

急務 (Urgent task)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in business, media, and public services.

Common Mistakes

Using 'shikyū' with your best friend to ask them to hurry up. → 早く！ (Hayaku!)
'Shikyū' is too formal and stiff for casual friendships. It sounds like a business command.
Using 'shikyū' when you mean a life-or-death emergency. → 緊急 (Kinkyū)
'Shikyū' is for business/process urgency. 'Kinkyū' is for true emergencies like a fire or heart attack.
Writing 'shiku' instead of 'shikyū'. → 至急 (shikyū)
The long 'u' is essential. Without it, the word is incorrect and may not be understood.
Saying 'shikyū-suru' as a verb. → 至急、〜する (shikyū, ~suru)
'Shikyū' is an adverb or noun, not a suru-verb itself.
Using 'shikyū' to praise someone's fast work. → 迅速な対応 (jinsoku na taiō)
'Shikyū' is used to request speed, not to describe the quality of someone's fast work.

Tips

Email Etiquette

Only use 【至急】 in subject lines when it is truly urgent. Overusing it can make people ignore your emails or find you difficult to work with.

Combining with Verbs

Pair 'shikyū' with formal verb endings like 'itashimasu' or 'negaitai' to maintain a professional tone while being firm.

Tone of Voice

When saying 'shikyū' aloud, keep your tone serious. A light or joking tone doesn't match the weight of the word.

Kanji Meaning

Remember that '至' means 'ultimate' and '急' means 'hurry.' It's the 'ultimate hurry'!

Synonym Choice

If you are praising someone for their speed, use '迅速' (jinsoku) instead of 'shikyū.' 'Shikyū' is for requests, not praise.

Response Speed

In Japan, a 'shikyū' request often implies you should stop your current work and address the new task immediately.

Context Clues

If you see 'shikyū' in a news crawl, expect to see information about a disaster or a major political event.

Sticky Notes

If you leave a note for a colleague, writing '至急！' at the top is a very common way to get their attention.

Softening the Blow

Use '至急申し訳ありませんが' (Urgently, I am sorry but...) when you have to push someone for a quick result.

Announcements

Train station staff use 'shikyū' when they need a specific passenger to come to the office because of a lost item or emergency call.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Shi' as 'She' and 'Kyū' as 'Queue'. 'She jumped the queue' because it was URGENT.

Visual Association

Imagine a red stamp hitting a paper with the word 'SHIKYŪ' on it, and the paper catching fire from the speed.

Word Web

Business Email Fast Priority Deadline Immediate Important Action

Challenge

Try to find 3 emails in your inbox today where you could have used 【至急】 in the subject line if you were writing in Japanese.

Word Origin

The word '至急' comes from Middle Japanese, derived from Classical Chinese roots. The first character '至' means to arrive or reach the peak, while '急' means sudden or hurried.

Original meaning: To reach the state of needing to hurry immediately.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'shikyū' with people of significantly higher status unless you are relaying a message from someone even higher up, as it can sound like you are bossing them around.

In English, 'ASAP' can sometimes sound a bit demanding or casual. 'Shikyū' is more like a formal 'Urgent' or 'Immediate attention required.'

Japanese news broadcasts often use '至急報' (shikyū-hō) for breaking news. In the anime 'Neon Genesis Evangelion', 'shikyū' is used frequently during combat operations. Historical dramas (Jidaigeki) use it when messengers deliver scrolls to lords.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Email Subject Lines

【至急】
至急ご確認
至急回答のお願い
至急連絡

Office Requests

至急、コピーして
至急、会議室を予約して
至急、部長に伝えて
至急、資料を修正して

Customer Service

至急、確認します
至急、手配いたします
至急、担当を呼びます
至急、配送します

Emergency (Non-medical)

至急、来てください
至急、止めてください
至急、助けてください
至急、連絡を

Public Announcements

至急、お戻りください
至急、お知らせください
至急、お越しください
至急、ご提示ください

Conversation Starters

"至急、相談したいことがあるのですが、今お時間よろしいでしょうか？"

"至急、確認してほしい資料があるのですが、メールを見てもらえますか？"

"至急、田中さんに連絡を取りたいのですが、連絡先をご存知ですか？"

"至急、このタスクを終わらせる必要があります。手伝っていただけますか？"

"至急、会議の場所が変更になりました。全員に伝えてください。"

Journal Prompts

今日、あなたが「至急」やらなければならなかったことは何ですか？

仕事や学校で「至急」と言われたとき、どのように感じますか？

あなたが最近、誰かに「至急」お願いしたことは何ですか？

「至急」の仕事が多い職場と、そうでない職場、どちらが好きですか？

もし「至急」の連絡が夜中に来たら、あなたはどうしますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is generally too formal for friends. Use 'hayaku' or 'isoide' instead. Using 'shikyū' with friends might make you sound like a boss or a robot.

Yes, 'shikyū' implies a higher level of priority and formality. While 'hayaku' just means 'fast,' 'shikyū' means 'this is the most important thing to do right now.'

Place it in brackets like this: 【至急】. This is the standard way to flag an email for immediate attention in a Japanese business context.

No, it is not used as a 'suru' verb like 'shikyū-suru.' Instead, it is used as an adverb (至急、〜する) or a noun (至急の〜).

'Shikyū' is for tasks that need to be done fast (business urgency). 'Kinkyū' is for dangerous situations that are emergencies (accidents, health).

Rarely. It might be used jokingly to emphasize urgency, but it is almost exclusively found in professional or official settings.

It means 'to require urgency.' It is a very formal way to say that a situation needs to be handled immediately.

They are very similar, but 'sōkyū' is more formal and often used in written documents to describe a need for promptness, while 'shikyū' is used for direct requests.

It's 'she-kyuu' with a long 'u' at the end. Make sure the 'kyu' sound is extended, or it might sound like a different word.

While 'shikyū ni' is sometimes used, the most common and standard adverbial form is just 'shikyū' without the 'ni' particle.