1.
sudden, abrupt, unexpected
Happening quickly and without warning. Describes events, changes, or actions that occur with little or no notice.
急な変化に驚いた。
I was surprised by the sudden change.
急な予定変更で困った。
I was troubled by the sudden schedule change.
急なお願いで申し訳ありませんが、明日までに返事をいただけますか。
I'm sorry for the sudden request, but could you reply by tomorrow?
2.
steep, sharp (incline)
Describes a slope, hill, or curve that rises or falls at a sharp angle.
急な坂を上る。
To climb a steep slope.
この道は急なカーブが多い。
This road has many sharp curves.
山道が急になってきたので、休憩を取ることにした。
The mountain path became steeper, so we decided to take a break.
3.
urgent, pressing
Requiring immediate attention or action. Used for matters that cannot wait.
急を要する問題だ。
It's a problem that requires urgent attention.
急な用事ができた。
An urgent matter came up.
急を要する患者がいるので、すぐに手術室を準備してください。
There's a patient in urgent need, so please prepare the operating room immediately.
USAGE:
急 functions as a na-adjective (急な + noun) and also appears in many common compounds. It is frequently used in the pattern 急に (suddenly) as an adverb.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 急な + noun: sudden/steep/urgent [noun]
- 急に: suddenly, abruptly (adverbial use)
- 急を要する: to require urgency
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 急行: express (train)
- 急速: rapid
- 急激: sudden and drastic
- 急増: rapid increase
- 急落: sharp drop
- 緊急: emergency, urgent