着急 (zháojí) — anxious, worried, in a hurry

着急 (zháojí)

Describes a state of anxiety, worry, or urgency. Used when someone is nervous about a situation or feels pressed for time. Common in the phrase 别着急 (don't worry / take it easy).

Meanings

1. [adj/verb] To be anxious, worried, or in a hurry; to feel urgent concern.

Example Sentences

别着急，还有时间。 Bié zháojí, hái yǒu shíjiān. Don't worry. There is still time.

他很着急，一直看表。 Tā hěn zháojí, yīzhí kàn biǎo. He is very anxious and keeps looking at his watch.

妈妈着急地等着儿子回家。 Māma zháojí de děng zhe érzi huí jiā. The mother waited anxiously for her son to come home.

你不用着急，慢慢来。 Nǐ bùyòng zháojí, màn man lái. No need to rush. Take it slow.

Collocations

Memory Hook

着 indicates a state and 急 means urgent: being caught in an urgent state, that tense feeling is 着急.