22 Japanese ways to say “Hurry up!”
Ever found yourself needing to tell someone to speed things up in Japanese but not sure how to say it just right?
Whether you’re chatting with friends or in a more formal setting, knowing the right phrase can save you from awkward moments.
Japanese offers a variety of ways to say “Hurry up!” that fit different moods and contexts.
From casual nudges to polite reminders, each expression carries its own nuance and charm.
Learning these phrases will not only boost your language skills but also help you connect better with native speakers.
Ready to speed up your Japanese learning? Let’s dive into 22 ways to say “Hurry up!” that you can start using today.
Getting Started: Why So Many Ways?
Japanese is a language rich in subtlety and context.
That means there’s often more than one way to express a simple concept like “Hurry up!” depending on who you’re talking to and how urgent you sound.
Some expressions are casual and fun, perfect for friends, while others are polite or formal.
If you want to start with a solid foundation, a good beginner’s language book can really help you grasp these nuances.
From there, you’ll find it easier to pick the right phrase for the right moment.
Plus, practicing these phrases regularly will make you feel more confident and natural.
Part 1: Casual Suggestions
1. 早くして！ (Hayaku shite!) – “Hurry up!”
This is the most straightforward and common way to say “Hurry up!” in casual situations.
“Hayaku” (はやく / ha-ya-ku) means “quickly,” and “shite” (して / shi-te) is the -te form of “suru,” meaning “do.” Together, they literally say “Do it quickly!”
Perfect for friends or family when you want to speed things along gently but clearly.
It’s short and easy to remember, making it a great go-to phrase.
Sometimes, adding “ね” (ne) at the end softens it: “早くしてね” (Hayaku shite ne) – like “Hurry up, okay?”
Give it a try next time you want to nudge someone along without sounding harsh.
2. 急いで！ (Isoide!) – “Hurry!”
“Isoide” (いそいで / i-so-i-de) comes from the verb “isogu” meaning “to hurry.”
It’s a direct command form, so it’s short and punchy — perfect when time is tight!
Great for quick calls to action among friends or colleagues.
Since it’s a command, be mindful of tone; it can sound a bit strong if used in the wrong context.
Use it when someone really needs to pick up the pace, like catching a train or meeting a deadline.
Pair it with a smile to keep it friendly!
3. 早く！ (Hayaku!) – “Quickly!”
Simply saying “Hayaku!” is a quick way to say “Hurry!” or “Faster!”
This is a short, sharp expression often used when you want immediate action.
It’s informal but widely understood, making it a handy phrase to know.
It works well in moments like games, sports, or when your friend is lagging behind.
Be careful as the tone can come off as a bit abrupt, so use it with people you’re close to.
It’s also a good base to build longer phrases if you want to get creative!
4. 急げ！ (Isoge!) – “Hurry up!” (command)
“Isoge!” is the imperative form of “isogu,” the verb for “to hurry.”
This is a stronger, more commanding phrase than “isoide.”
Use it when you need someone to move fast immediately, like in urgent situations.
It’s less polite but very clear and to the point.
Perfect for close friends or when urgency is critical.
Keep your tone light if you want to avoid sounding too harsh.
5. さっさと！ (Sassato!) – “Quickly! / Hurry up!”
“Sassato” is a casual, somewhat playful way to say “Hurry up!”
It implies you want someone to get moving without wasting time.
Great for friends or family when you’re joking but still want them to speed up.
It’s easy to remember because it sounds rhythmic and fun.
Be aware it can sound a bit blunt, so use with people who understand your tone.
It’s a fun way to add personality to your requests for speed.
6. 早く来て！ (Hayaku kite!) – “Come quickly!”
“Hayaku kite” means “Come quickly!” and is perfect when you want someone to hurry to your location.
“Kite” (きて / ki-te) is the -te form of “kuru” (to come), and “hayaku” means “quickly.”
This phrase is warm and direct, great for casual invitations to hurry up and join you.
You can use it with friends or family without sounding rude.
It’s a handy phrase when you’re waiting for someone and want to encourage them to come faster.
Try pairing it with a smile or wave for extra friendliness!
7. いい加減にして！ (Ii kagen ni shite!) – “Hurry up already! / Enough already!”
This phrase literally means “Do it properly already!” but is used like “Hurry up already!” with a bit of an impatient tone.
“Ii kagen ni shite” conveys frustration but can be playful depending on tone.
Use with close friends or family when someone’s being slow and it’s getting on your nerves.
It’s not polite, so avoid in formal settings.
It’s great for expressing mild impatience without being harsh.
Use with caution but it can add some fun to your conversations!
8. さあ、急ごう！ (Saa, isogou!) – “Come on, let’s hurry!”
“Saa, isogou” is a friendly way to say “Let’s hurry!” including yourself.
“Isogou” (いそごう / i-so-go-u) is the volitional form of “isogu,” meaning “let’s hurry.”
It’s great for motivating a group or a friend to pick up the pace together.
It sounds encouraging rather than commanding.
Perfect for casual outings or fun activities where you want everyone to move faster.
Try this to include yourself and make speeding up a team effort!
Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions
9. お急ぎください (Oisogi kudasai) – “Please hurry.”
This is a polite and formal way to say “Please hurry.”
“Oisogi” is the honorific form of “isogu” (to hurry) and “kudasai” means “please.”
Commonly used in business or formal situations where you need to be respectful.
It sounds professional and courteous while still conveying urgency.
Great for emails, customer service, or polite requests.
Practice this phrase to sound polished and respectful!
10. 早めにお願いします (Hayame ni onegaishimasu) – “Please do it soon.”
“Hayame ni onegaishimasu” politely asks someone to do something earlier or quickly.
“Hayame” means “earlier” or “soon,” “onegaishimasu” means “please.”
This phrase is softer and more indirect, making it very polite.
Useful in professional emails or formal conversations.
It’s a gentle way to express urgency without sounding pushy.
Using this phrase shows good manners and respect.
11. お急ぎのところすみません (Oisogi no tokoro sumimasen) – “Sorry to rush you.”
This phrase is great for politely acknowledging that you’re asking someone to hurry.
“Oisogi no tokoro” means “at a busy/hurried time,” and “sumimasen” means “sorry.”
It’s very polite and shows empathy towards the other person’s situation.
Perfect to use before a polite request to hurry up.
It helps maintain harmony and respect in formal communication.
Try this phrase to soften your urgency when needed.
12. できるだけ早くお願いします (Dekiru dake hayaku onegaishimasu) – “Please do it as soon as possible.”
“Dekiru dake” means “as much as possible,” combined with “hayaku” (quickly) and “onegaishimasu” (please).
This is a common polite way to ask for something to be done quickly.
It’s useful in both spoken and written formal requests.
Shows urgency while still sounding respectful.
Great phrase for work emails or polite reminders.
Practice it to sound professional and clear!
13. お早めにどうぞ (Ohayame ni douzo) – “Please do it quickly.”
“Ohayame ni douzo” politely invites someone to hurry or do something soon.
“Ohayame ni” is the honorific form of “hayame ni” (earlier/soon), “douzo” means “please/go ahead.”
Common in customer service or polite invitations.
Soft and respectful way to encourage promptness.
Often heard in shops or service situations.
Use it to sound courteous and kind when asking for speed.
14. お早くお願いいたします (Ohayaku onegai itashimasu) – “I humbly request you hurry.”
This is a very formal and humble way to ask someone to hurry.
“Onegai itashimasu” is a humble form of “please,” and “ohayaku” means “quickly.”
Used in formal letters, business, or official settings.
Shows deep respect and urgency simultaneously.
Perfect for situations where politeness is key.
Practice this to master formal Japanese requests.
15. 早めにご対応ください (Hayame ni go taiou kudasai) – “Please respond promptly.”
“Go taiou” means “response” or “handling,” combined with “hayame ni” (soon) and “kudasai” (please).
This phrase politely requests quick action or response.
Commonly used in business emails or formal communication.
It’s respectful and clear, good for professional contexts.
Shows you value the other person’s effort and time.
Use it to encourage timely replies without sounding demanding.
16. お急ぎの方はどうぞ (Oisogi no kata wa douzo) – “For those in a hurry, please go ahead.”
This phrase politely offers priority to people who are in a hurry.
“Kata” is a polite word for “person,” and “douzo” means “please/go ahead.”
Often used in customer service or public settings.
It’s a gentle way to acknowledge and accommodate urgency.
Helps keep social harmony while respecting needs.
Try this phrase to sound considerate and polite!
Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions
17. 早よしろ！ (Hayo shiro!) – “Hurry up!” (very casual)
“Hayo shiro” is a very casual, contracted way of saying “Hayaku shiro,” meaning “Hurry up!”
It’s often used in casual speech between close friends.
Sounds energetic and a little rough, like a friendly push.
Not suitable for formal or unfamiliar people.
Great for sounding natural and native-like among peers.
Use with friends who know your tone well!
18. さっさとしろ！ (Sassato shiro!) – “Get a move on!”
“Sassato shiro” is a casual, slightly rough command meaning “Get a move on!”
“Sassato” means “quickly,” “shiro” is the imperative form of “suru.”
Used mostly by men or in rougher speech.
Can be playful but also a bit bossy.
Use it only with close friends or in informal contexts.
Good phrase to sound very casual and direct.
19. 急げや！ (Isoge ya!) – “Hurry up, man!”
“Isoge ya” adds the masculine particle “ya” for emphasis.
It’s a strong, casual way to tell someone to hurry, often heard in Kansai dialect.
Sounds friendly but firm, typical among male friends.
Not polite, so use carefully!
Great for sounding like a local in casual settings.
Try it if you want to add regional flavor to your Japanese.
20. ちゃちゃっとして！ (Chachatto shite!) – “Do it quickly!” (casual)
“Chachatto shite” is a fun, casual phrase meaning “Do it quickly!” or “Get it done fast!”
It’s lighthearted and common in everyday conversation.
Good for friendly, informal situations.
Sounds natural and easygoing.
Perfect to use when you want to sound relaxed but clear.
Practice this to sound like a native speaker in casual chats.
21. さっさと来い！ (Sassato koi!) – “Come quickly!” (casual, commanding)
“Sassato koi” is a direct and casual way to tell someone to “Come quickly!”
“Koi” is the imperative form of “kuru” (to come).
Used among friends or in informal settings.
Sounds commanding but friendly if used right.
Be careful with tone to avoid sounding rude.
Great phrase to practice for casual invitations.
22. 急げよ！ (Isoge yo!) – “Hurry up!” (casual, strong)
“Isoge yo” is a casual but strong way to say “Hurry up!”
“Yo” adds emphasis, making the command feel more impactful.
Often used among close friends or younger people.
Not polite, so use only in informal contexts.
It’s common in everyday speech for urgency.
Perfect to add some punch to your casual Japanese!
Concluding Thought
Learning these 22 ways to say “Hurry up!” in Japanese opens up a world of nuanced communication.
From polite requests to casual commands, each phrase helps you express urgency with the right tone and respect.
Keep practicing these expressions, and soon you’ll feel more natural and confident when telling someone to speed things up—no matter the situation!
