====== biéjí: 别急 - Don't worry, Take it easy, Be patient ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** 别急, bie ji, don't worry in Chinese, how to say take it easy in Chinese, calm down Chinese, be patient in Chinese, Chinese imperative, comfort someone in Chinese, Chinese advice, 慢慢来
  * **Summary:** Learn how to use the essential Chinese phrase **别急 (bié jí)**, which directly translates to "Don't be anxious" but is commonly used to mean "Take it easy," "Don't worry," or "Be patient." This entry explores its cultural significance in promoting harmony, its practical use in everyday conversations to comfort friends or manage tasks, and provides numerous example sentences. Understanding **别急** is key to sounding natural and showing empathy in Mandarin Chinese.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** bié jí
  * **Part of Speech:** Verb phrase / Imperative
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 3
  * **Concise Definition:** Don't be anxious or impatient.
  * **In a Nutshell:** **别急 (bié jí)** is a gentle command or a piece of comforting advice given to someone who is feeling rushed, stressed, worried, or impatient. It's the verbal equivalent of placing a calming hand on someone's shoulder and saying, "Hey, slow down," "Hold your horses," or "Don't worry, it's going to be okay." It’s used to de-escalate stress and reassure someone that there's no need to rush.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **别 (bié):** In this context, **别** is a negative imperative, meaning "don't." It's used to tell someone not to do something. For example, `别说话 (bié shuōhuà)` means "Don't talk."
  * **急 (jí):** This character means "anxious," "impatient," "urgent," or "worried." It captures the feeling of being in a hurry, under pressure, or stressed about time.
  * The two characters combine literally to mean "Don't be anxious," a straightforward and powerful piece of advice.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
In Chinese culture, maintaining composure and avoiding unnecessary conflict are highly valued. **别急 (bié jí)** is a linguistic tool that facilitates this by managing interpersonal tension and anxiety. When someone says **别急**, they are not just telling you to slow down; they are often subtly reinforcing the idea that patience and a measured approach will lead to a better outcome. It's a way of promoting harmony in a situation that could become stressful.
Compared to the American English phrase "Chill out," **别急** is generally softer and more empathetic. "Chill out" can sometimes sound dismissive, implying the other person is overreacting. **别急**, especially when said with a gentle tone or followed by `慢慢来 (màn man lái - take your time)`, is more often a gesture of solidarity. It says, "I see you're stressed, but let's not rush this process. We will figure it out." It frames patience as a shared, constructive strategy rather than a personal failing of the anxious individual.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**别急 (bié jí)** is an extremely common, informal phrase used in a wide variety of daily situations.
  * **Comforting and Reassuring:** This is its most frequent use. If a friend is worried about an exam, a job interview, or finding their lost keys, you would say **别急** to calm them down and offer support.
  * **Managing Tasks and Problems:** In a work or study environment, if a colleague is rushing to finish a task and making mistakes, a teammate might say, "**别急**，我们还有时间。(Bié jí, wǒmen hái yǒu shíjiān.)" - "Take it easy, we still have time." It encourages carefulness over speed.
  * **Explaining Something Complex:** When teaching someone a new skill, like cooking a complicated dish or explaining a grammar point, you might start by saying "**别急**，我一步一步教你。(Bié jí, wǒ yībù yībù jiāo nǐ.)" - "Don't worry, I'll teach you step-by-step."
  * **Dealing with Delays:** When stuck in traffic, waiting for a delayed train, or in a long queue, people might say **别急** to themselves or to others to manage the frustration.
The connotation is almost always positive and reassuring. However, like any phrase, tone matters. If said in a sharp, irritated tone, it can sound condescending, as if you're scolding someone for their impatience.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:** 
    * 我找不到我的钱包了！(Wǒ zhǎo bú dào wǒ de qiánbāole!) - I can't find my wallet!
    * **别急**，你再仔细想想放在哪儿了。(**Bié jí**, nǐ zài zǐxì xiǎngxiang fàng zài nǎr le.)
    * Pinyin: **Bié jí**, nǐ zài zǐxì xiǎngxiang fàng zài nǎr le.
    * English: Take it easy, think carefully again about where you might have put it.
    * Analysis: A classic example of using **别急** to calm someone down in a stressful, everyday situation.
  * **Example 2:** 
    * 这件事很复杂，我不知道怎么办。(**Bié jí**，wǒmen yíqǐ xiǎng bànfǎ.)
    * Pinyin: Zhè jiàn shì hěn fùzá, wǒ bù zhīdào zěnme bàn. (**Bié jí**, wǒmen yìqǐ xiǎng bànfǎ.)
    * English: This matter is very complicated, I don't know what to do. (Don't worry, we'll figure out a solution together.)
    * Analysis: Here, **别急** is used to offer both reassurance and collaborative support.
  * **Example 3:** 
    * **别急**，慢慢来，你的中文说得已经很好了。
    * Pinyin: **Bié jí**, màn man lái, nǐ de Zhōngwén shuō de yǐjīng hěn hǎo le.
    * English: Don't be impatient, take your time. Your Chinese is already very good.
    * Analysis: This shows the very common pairing of `别急 (bié jí)` with `慢慢来 (màn man lái)`. It's a perfect phrase for encouraging a language learner.
  * **Example 4:** 
    * 电影马上就要开始了，快点！(**Bié jí**，还有十分钟呢。)
    * Pinyin: Diànyǐng mǎshàng jiù yào kāishǐ le, kuài diǎn! (**Bié jí**, hái yǒu shí fēnzhōng ne.)
    * English: The movie is about to start, hurry up! (Take it easy, there are still ten minutes.)
    * Analysis: Used here to counter someone else's sense of urgency with a factual reason to relax.
  * **Example 5:** 
    * 客户在催了，我们今天必须完成。(**Bié jí**，质量比速度更重要。)
    * Pinyin: Kèhù zài cuī le, wǒmen jīntiān bìxū wánchéng. (**Bié jí**, zhìliàng bǐ sùdù gèng zhòngyào.)
    * English: The client is pushing us, we have to finish today. (Don't rush, quality is more important than speed.)
    * Analysis: This demonstrates its use in a professional context to prioritize careful work over a hasty deadline.
  * **Example 6:** 
    * 你**别急**着做决定，先听我把话说完。
    * Pinyin: Nǐ **bié jí** zhe zuò juédìng, xiān tīng wǒ bǎ huà shuō wán.
    * English: Don't be in a hurry to make a decision, first let me finish what I have to say.
    * Analysis: Here, `急着 (jí zhe)` means "in a hurry to (do something)." **别急着** tells someone to pause an action.
  * **Example 7:** 
    * A: 我什么时候才能像你一样？(Wǒ shénme shíhou cái néng xiàng nǐ yíyàng?) - When will I be as good as you?
    * B: **别急**，学习需要一个过程。(**Bié jí**, xuéxí xūyào yí ge guòchéng.) - Be patient, learning is a process.
    * Analysis: **别急** is used to give philosophical or long-term advice about patience.
  * **Example 8:** 
    * 菜还没好吗？我饿死了！(**别急**，马上就好！)
    * Pinyin: Cài hái méi hǎo ma? Wǒ è sǐ le! (**Bié jí**, mǎshàng jiù hǎo!)
    * English: Isn't the food ready yet? I'm starving! (Hold on, it'll be ready right away!)
    * Analysis: A very common, informal exchange you might hear at home or in a restaurant.
  * **Example 9:** 
    * 跟你说了多少遍了，你怎么还不会？(Gēn nǐ shuōle duōshǎo biàn le, nǐ zěnme hái bú huì?) - How many times have I told you, how come you still don't get it?
    * **别急**，我脑子有点慢。(**Bié jí**, wǒ nǎozi yǒudiǎn màn.) - Be patient with me, I'm a bit slow.
    * Analysis: In this case, the speaker uses **别急** to ask for patience from someone who is getting frustrated with them.
  * **Example 10:** 
    * **别急**，等红灯结束我们再走。
    * Pinyin: **Bié jí**, děng hóngdēng jiéshù wǒmen zài zǒu.
    * English: Be patient, let's go after the red light is over.
    * Analysis: A simple, practical instruction used in a common daily scenario (waiting at a crosswalk).
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  * **Don't use it in a true emergency:** **别急** is for managing impatience or anxiety, not for situations requiring immediate action. If a building is on fire, yelling "**别急**" is inappropriate and dangerous. In such cases, you need urgent action words like `快跑 (kuài pǎo - run quick!)` or `小心 (xiǎoxīn - be careful!)`.
    * **Incorrect:** `A: 救命啊！有人掉进水里了！(Jiùmìng a! Yǒu rén diào jìn shuǐ lǐ le! - Help! Someone fell in the water!)`
    * `B: **别急**，我们先讨论一下最好的救援方案。(**Bié jí**, wǒmen xiān tǎolùn yíxià zuì hǎo de jiùyuán fāng'àn. - Don't worry, let's first discuss the best rescue plan.)` This is dangerously wrong.
  * **"Don't worry" vs. "Take it easy":** **别急 (bié jí)** is closer to "don't be impatient" or "take it easy" than `别担心 (bié dānxīn)`.
    * Use **别急 (bié jí)** when someone is rushing or acting out of impatience in the present moment.
    * Use `[[别担心]] (bié dānxīn)` when someone is mentally worried about a future or uncertain outcome (e.g., exam results, a health issue). The two are often interchangeable, but this subtle distinction exists.
  * **Tone is everything:** While usually comforting, a frustrated or condescending tone can make **别急** sound like "Just calm down already!" or "Stop being so impatient!" This can make the other person feel dismissed. Be mindful of your delivery.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * **[[慢慢来]] (màn man lái):** Take your time; Go slowly. This is the perfect companion phrase to **别急**, often said in the same breath: `别急，慢慢来`.
  * **[[别担心]] (bié dānxīn):** Don't worry. A very close synonym, but it focuses more on mental anxiety about a potential problem rather than the physical or emotional state of being rushed.
  * **[[着急]] (zhāojí):** To be worried; to feel anxious. This is the verb/adjective describing the state that **别急** tells you to avoid. `你别着急 (nǐ bié zhāojí)` is a slightly longer way of saying **别急**.
  * **[[冷静]] (lěngjìng):** Calm; cool-headed. To tell someone to be calm, you often say `冷静点 (lěngjìng diǎn)`. This is a bit stronger and more direct than **别急**, often used in more tense or serious situations like an argument.
  * **[[放心]] (fàngxīn):** To set one's mind at ease; to feel relieved. You say `放心吧 (fàngxīn ba)` to reassure someone that everything will be fine, similar to "Rest assured."
  * **[[别慌]] (bié huāng):** Don't panic. `慌 (huāng)` implies a greater sense of being flustered or panicked than `急 (jí)`. This is for a more chaotic or frightening situation.
  * **[[耐心]] (nàixīn):** Patience (noun). You can encourage someone by saying `要有耐心 (yào yǒu nàixīn)` - "You need to have patience."