22 Japanese ways to say “As soon as possible”

Ever found yourself needing to say “as soon as possible” in Japanese but unsure how to express it naturally? You’re not alone!

Japanese has many ways to convey urgency, each fitting different tones and contexts. Whether you’re chatting casually or writing a formal email, there’s a phrase for you.

This list covers 22 practical and relatable ways to say “as soon as possible” in Japanese, from casual to formal and everything in between.

Learning these phrases will help you sound more natural and confident when you need things done quickly or express urgency politely.

You’ll also discover handy pronunciation tips and some fun ways to remember them.

Ready to speed up your Japanese skills? Let’s dive in!

Understanding Urgency in Japanese

Before we jump into the list, it’s good to understand how urgency can sound different depending on the situation.

Japanese often uses context and politeness levels to adjust how direct or soft a request sounds. So, knowing a few different phrases is super useful.

Some expressions work great among friends, while others are perfect for work emails or formal requests.

If you want a solid foundation, picking up a great polite Japanese phrasebook can be a helpful companion.

It’s all about matching your words to the moment—with a sprinkle of warmth.

Let’s explore those 22 Japanese ways to say “as soon as possible”!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. できるだけ早く (Dekiru dake hayaku) – “As fast as possible”

This phrase literally means “as quickly as one can.”

“できるだけ” (dekiru dake) means “as much as possible,” and “早く” (hayaku) means “early” or “fast.” Put together, it’s a go-to way to say ASAP casually.

It’s easy to remember because it combines two familiar words you probably already know.

Use it when you want to sound natural but still clear about urgency.

Related phrase: できるだけ早くお願いします (Dekiru dake hayaku onegaishimasu) means “Please do it as soon as possible.”

Try practicing this phrase with friends or in daily conversations to get comfy with it.

2. すぐに (Sugu ni) – “Immediately”

“すぐに” (sugu ni) is a simple and very common way to say “right away” or “immediately.”

It’s short, sweet, and fits most casual situations.

What’s great is you can use it alone or in longer sentences.

Just remember not to overuse it in super formal settings where softer language is preferred.

Example: すぐに行くよ！(Sugu ni iku yo!) means “I’ll go right away!”

Perfect for when you want to show you’re on it without sounding stiff.

3. なるべく早く (Naru beku hayaku) – “As soon as you can”

“なるべく” (naru beku) means “as much as possible” or “if possible.”

Paired with “早く” (hayaku), it politely urges for something to be done quickly.

This phrase is a softer way to express urgency, great among friends or coworkers.

It sounds a bit less pushy than できるだけ早く.

Try saying: なるべく早くお願いします (Naru beku hayaku onegaishimasu), meaning “Please do it as soon as you can.”

This phrase balances urgency with politeness nicely.

4. 今すぐに (Ima sugu ni) – “Right now”

“今” (ima) means “now,” so “今すぐに” (ima sugu ni) means “right now” or “immediately.”

It’s perfect when you want to emphasize instant action.

Use it with close friends or in urgent situations where no delay is acceptable.

Be careful not to sound too harsh; tone matters.

Example: 今すぐに来て！(Ima sugu ni kite!) means “Come right now!”

It’s a handy phrase to add urgency without complications.

5. 早めに (Hayame ni) – “A bit early / ASAP”

“早めに” (hayame ni) means “a bit early” or “ahead of time.”

It’s a gentle suggestion to do something sooner rather than later.

Great to use when you want to be polite but still clear about timing.

Example: 早めに終わらせてね (Hayame ni owarasete ne) means “Please finish it a bit early.”

This phrase sounds friendly and less demanding than direct commands.

You can use it daily for polite reminders among colleagues or friends.

6. 急いで (Isoide) – “Hurry up”

“急いで” (isoide) means “hurry” or “do it quickly.”

This is a straightforward and casual way to urge someone to act fast.

It’s often used in spoken language but can sound a bit abrupt if not softened.

To be polite, add “ください” (kudasai) to make it 急いでください (Isoide kudasai), meaning “Please hurry.”

Example: 急いで来て！(Isoide kite!) means “Come quickly!”

Use it when the situation calls for clear urgency.

7. すぐにでも (Sugu ni demo) – “Even right away”

Adding “でも” (demo) to “すぐに” adds a nuance of “even right away.”

It’s like saying, “I’d like it done as soon as possible, even immediately.”

This phrase conveys eagerness with a friendly tone.

Example: すぐにでも始めましょう (Sugu ni demo hajimemashou) means “Let’s start as soon as possible.”

It’s a natural phrase for casual or work conversations.

Great for showing you’re ready to move instantly.

8. 今すぐ (Ima sugu) – “Right this second”

“今すぐ” (ima sugu) is a shorter, punchier way of saying “right now.”

It’s common in everyday speech and instantly conveys urgency.

Example: 今すぐ電話して！(Ima sugu denwa shite!) means “Call me right now!”

Keep in mind it’s casual; in formal contexts, you’ll want to soften it.

It’s a great phrase to remember for quick, urgent requests.

Easy to practice by repeating in quick-response drills.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. できるだけ早急に (Dekiru dake sōkyū ni) – “As urgently as possible”

“早急に” (sōkyū ni) means “urgently” or “promptly.”

Adding “できるだけ” (dekiru dake) emphasizes doing it as urgently as possible.

This phrase is perfect for formal emails or work requests.

Example: できるだけ早急にご対応ください (Dekiru dake sōkyū ni go-taiō kudasai) means “Please respond as urgently as possible.”

It’s polite and respectful, fitting business situations well.

Practice it by writing formal requests or emails.

10. 至急 (Shikyū) – “Urgent / ASAP”

“至急” (shikyū) means “urgent” or “immediate.”

It’s often used in formal notices or announcements.

You can attach it before requests to emphasize urgency politely.

Example: 至急ご連絡ください (Shikyū go-renraku kudasai) means “Please contact me ASAP.”

It’s concise and clear for professional communication.

Great for quick but respectful urgent messages.

11. お急ぎで (O-isogi de) – “With urgency (honorific)”

Adding “お” (o) makes “急ぎ” (isogi) polite and honorific.

“お急ぎで” (o-isogi de) means “with urgency,” used respectfully.

Example: お急ぎで対応してください (O-isogi de taiō shite kudasai) means “Please handle this urgently.”

It’s soft and polite, suitable for bosses or clients.

Remember to use it in formal or semi-formal contexts.

It conveys respect while stressing urgency.

12. 早めにご対応ください (Hayame ni go-taiō kudasai) – “Please respond a bit early”

A polite way to ask for a quicker response.

“早めに” (hayame ni) means “a bit early,” and “ご対応ください” (go-taiō kudasai) is a respectful way to say “please respond.”

Use it in emails or requests when you want to sound courteous yet clear.

Example: 早めにご対応くださいませ (Hayame ni go-taiō kudasaimase) adds extra politeness.

This phrase is great for business and official communications.

Practice by drafting polite requests.

13. できるだけ早くご連絡ください (Dekiru dake hayaku go-renraku kudasai) – “Please contact me as soon as possible”

This is a polite, clear way to ask for quick contact.

“ご連絡ください” (go-renraku kudasai) means “please contact,” combined with urgency.

It’s perfect for emails or calls needing prompt replies.

Example: できるだけ早くご連絡ください。

It balances politeness and urgency very well.

Try using it in formal conversation practice.

14. お手すきの際に早めに (O-tesuki no sai ni hayame ni) – “As soon as you’re free”

This phrase politely asks for action “as soon as you’re free,” implying ASAP but with respect for their time.

“お手すきの際に” (o-tesuki no sai ni) means “when you have free time.”

It’s great for polite requests without pressure.

Example: お手すきの際に早めにご確認ください (O-tesuki no sai ni hayame ni go-kakunin kudasai) means “Please check it as soon as you are free.”

Use it for gentle reminders or when you want to be courteous.

A useful phrase for formal emails and polite conversations.

15. 早急のご対応をお願いいたします (Sōkyū no go-taiō o onegai itashimasu) – “Kindly respond urgently”

Very formal and respectful, often used in business letters and emails.

“お願いいたします” (onegai itashimasu) is a humble way of saying “please.”

Example: 早急のご対応をお願いいたします means “I kindly request your urgent attention.”

It’s suitable for official communications requiring prompt action.

Perfect phrase to memorize if you plan to work in Japan or with Japanese companies.

Practice by writing sample formal emails.

16. 速やかに (Sumiyaka ni) – “Promptly / Without delay”

“速やかに” (sumiyaka ni) means “promptly” or “without delay.”

It’s a very formal word often used in written Japanese and official statements.

Example: 速やかにご対応ください (Sumiyaka ni go-taiō kudasai) means “Please respond promptly.”

Perfect for legal or official documents.

Sounds professional and serious.

Try using it in formal writing practice for advanced learners.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 早よ (Hayo) – “Quickly” (Kansai dialect casual)

“早よ” (hayo) is Kansai dialect for “quickly” or “hurry.”

It’s very casual and regional but popular among native speakers in the Kansai area.

Useful to know if you want to sound more local or familiar with dialects.

Example: 早よ来て！(Hayo kite!) means “Come quickly!”

Be careful using it outside casual contexts or Kansai region.

Fun phrase to add some flavor to your Japanese!

18. とっとと (Tottoto) – “Hurry up” (slang)

“とっとと” (tottoto) is a slangy, emphatic way to say “hurry up.”

It’s very casual and sometimes a bit rude, so use with close friends only.

Example: とっととやれ！(Tottoto yare!) means “Get it done quickly!”

Great for understanding slang and native conversations.

Not recommended for formal or polite situations.

Learning this helps you catch real, everyday speech nuances.

19. はよ (Hayo) – “Quickly” (short form of 早よ)

“はよ” (hayo) is a shortened form of 早よ, even more casual.

Often used in spoken language among friends or family.

Example: はよして！(Hayo shite!) means “Do it quickly!”

It’s important to use this only with people you’re close to.

Helps you sound natural in informal conversations.

Great for picking up native speaker vibes.

20. すぐやる (Sugu yaru) – “Do it right away”

“すぐやる” (sugu yaru) means “do it immediately.”

It’s casual and straightforward.

Example: すぐやるよ！(Sugu yaru yo!) means “I’ll do it right away!”

Perfect for casual promises or commitments.

Use this phrase when you want to sound energetic and reliable.

Easy to practice with friends or classmates.

21. 今すぐやって (Ima sugu yatte) – “Do it right now”

“今すぐやって” (ima sugu yatte) means “do it right now.”

It’s casual but direct, often used among friends or coworkers.

Example: 今すぐやって！(Ima sugu yatte!) means “Do it immediately!”

Be mindful of tone to avoid sounding rude.

Good phrase for everyday urgent requests in casual speech.

Practice with role play for natural delivery.

22. すぐにやるから (Sugu ni yaru kara) – “Because I’ll do it right away”

This phrase is great to reassure someone you’ll act quickly.

“すぐにやるから” (sugu ni yaru kara) means “I’ll do it right away, so…”

Example: すぐにやるから待っててね (Sugu ni yaru kara mattete ne) means “I’ll do it right away, so please wait.”

Casual, warm, and very natural sounding.

Perfect for friendly conversations where you want to ease concerns.

Try saying this to friends or family to sound thoughtful and prompt.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 22 ways to say “as soon as possible” in Japanese shows just how rich and flexible the language is.

From casual chats to formal emails, you now have a variety of expressions to match your tone and situation perfectly.

Keep practicing these phrases, and you’ll find it easier and more natural to express urgency in Japanese — giving you confidence to communicate clearly and warmly every time.