gǎnjǐn: 赶紧 - Hurriedly, Quickly, In a Rush

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Summary: Discover the meaning of the essential Chinese adverb 赶紧 (gǎnjǐn), which translates to “hurriedly” or “quickly.” This guide is perfect for beginners and explains how to use 赶紧 to express urgency in everyday situations, from catching a bus to seizing an opportunity. Learn its cultural nuances and see how it differs from similar words like 马上 (mǎshàng) and 快点 (kuài diǎn) through clear examples.

Pinyin (with tone marks): gǎnjǐn

Part of Speech: Adverb

HSK Level: HSK 3

Concise Definition: To do something in a hurry due to a sense of urgency or a pressing need.

In a Nutshell: 赶紧 (gǎnjǐn) is more than just “fast.” It's about acting quickly because of an external pressure—like a ticking clock, an approaching storm, or a limited-time offer. It implies that if you don't act now, there will be a negative consequence. It's the word for when you realize you need to do something *right now* before it's too late.

赶 (gǎn): This character means “to chase,” “to pursue,” or “to rush for.” Think of rushing to catch a bus (赶公交车 - gǎn gōngjiāochē). It has the feeling of trying to catch up to something.

紧 (jǐn): This character means “tight,” “tense,” or “urgent.” Picture a tight schedule (时间很紧 - shíjiān hěn jǐn) or a tense situation.

Together, 赶紧 (gǎnjǐn) literally combines “rushing” and “tightness/urgency.” The meaning is very direct: to rush because the situation is tight.

The Urgency of Opportunity: 赶紧 reflects a practical and pragmatic aspect of Chinese culture. It's often used to encourage someone (or oneself) to seize a fleeting opportunity or avoid an impending problem. This could be a mother telling her child, “赶紧吃饭，菜要凉了 (Gǎnjǐn chīfàn, cài yào liáng le)” - “Hurry and eat, the food is getting cold.” The urgency isn't just about speed; it's about preserving the quality of the meal and showing care.

Contrast with Western “Hurry Up”: While “hurry up” in English can often sound impatient or even rude, 赶紧 can frequently carry a tone of concern or helpful advice. It's less of a blunt command and more of a strong suggestion based on circumstances. A friend saying “赶紧回家吧，要下雨了 (Gǎnjǐn huí jiā ba, yào xià yǔ le)” - “You should hurry home, it's about to rain” is expressing care for your well-being, not just impatience. It's a proactive word rooted in situational awareness.

Giving Advice or Warnings: It's extremely common for giving friendly, urgent advice. For example, reminding someone about weather, deadlines, or closing times.

Encouraging Action: Used to prompt someone to do something necessary, like seeking medical attention, finishing a task, or making a decision.

Informal and Spoken: 赶紧 is a staple of everyday spoken Mandarin. While perfectly normal in most daily contexts, in very formal or official writing, more formal words like 立即 (lìjí) or 即刻 (jíkè) might be preferred.

Connotation: The connotation is generally neutral but is heavily influenced by tone. It can be a gentle reminder from a loved one, a frantic shout