Meaning and Usage
The verb 焦る (あせる) means "to be in a hurry" or "to be impatient." It expresses a feeling of anxiety or urgency, often when time is limited or when one feels pressured to act quickly.
Common Contexts
焦る is frequently used when someone feels rushed or stressed about a deadline, an exam, or any situation requiring prompt action. It often implies a negative feeling that can lead to mistakes if not controlled.
Collocations and Patterns
- 焦る気持ち (あせるきもち): feeling impatient or anxious
- 焦らずに (あせらずに): without rushing, calmly
- 焦って〜する: to do something hastily or nervously
Register and Nuance
This verb is common in both spoken and written Japanese and is neutral in politeness. It conveys a natural human emotion and is often used to advise calmness or to describe a state of nervousness.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 焦る with 急ぐ (いそぐ), which means "to hurry" as an action. 焦る focuses more on the internal feeling of impatience or anxiety rather than the physical act of hurrying.