bié zháojí: 别着急 - Don't worry, Take it easy, No rush
Quick Summary
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Summary: Learn the meaning and usage of 别着急 (bié zháojí), one of the most common and comforting phrases in Mandarin Chinese. This page breaks down how to use “bié zháojí” to say “don't worry,” “take your time,” or “no rush” in various real-life situations. Discover its cultural significance and see practical examples to understand why this simple phrase is essential for reassuring friends, managing stress, and encouraging patience in daily conversations.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): bié zháojí
Part of Speech: Phrase (Imperative)
HSK Level: HSK 3
Concise Definition: A command or suggestion telling someone not to be anxious, worried, or in a hurry.
In a Nutshell:别着急 (bié zháojí) is the Swiss Army knife of reassurance in Chinese. It's what you say to calm someone down who is feeling flustered, impatient, or stressed. It seamlessly blends the meanings of “Don't worry,” “Take your time,” “No rush,” and “Easy does it.” Whether your friend is late, stressed about an exam, or fumbling with a new task, `别着急` is the perfect phrase to soothe their anxiety and encourage a calmer, more patient approach.
Character Breakdown
别 (bié): This character is a negative imperative, meaning “don't.” It's used to tell someone not to do something, like in `别说话 (bié shuōhuà)` - “Don't talk.”
着 (zháo): In this context, `zháo` refers to being affected by something or entering a state. Think of it as “catching” a feeling.
急 (jí): This character means “anxious, urgent, or impatient.” The heart radical (心) at the bottom signifies that this is an emotion—a feeling of being rushed or flustered.
When combined, 着急 (zháojí) means “to be anxious” or “to be in a hurry.” Adding 别 (bié) in front creates the direct command: “Don't be anxious/in a hurry.”
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, maintaining a calm and steady demeanor is often highly valued. 别着急 (bié zháojí) is more than just a phrase; it's a verbal tool used to restore emotional balance and harmony in a situation. It reflects a cultural mindset that believes a calm, patient approach is more effective and healthier than a frantic, rushed one.
Comparison to Western Culture: In American or Western culture, “Don't worry” can sometimes feel a bit dismissive, as if you're minimizing the other person's problem (“It's not a big deal”). 别着急 (bié zháojí), however, is generally received as more empathetic. It focuses less on the size of the problem and more on the person's state of mind. It's closer in spirit to saying, “Take a deep breath,” “There's no need to rush,” or “Let's handle this calmly.” It's a gesture of care, prioritizing the person's well-being over the immediate source of stress.
Practical Usage in Modern China
别着急 (bié zháojí) is extremely common in daily, informal conversations. It's a gentle and friendly way to manage a wide range of situations.
Reassuring Someone: This is its most frequent use. You say it to a friend who is worried about being late, a family member stressed about work, or a student anxious about an exam. It's a verbal pat on the back.
Managing Time and Deadlines: When a colleague is rushing to finish a task, you can say `别着急` to mean “Take the time you need to do it right.” A taxi driver stuck in a traffic jam might hear `师傅，别着急 (Shīfù, bié zháojí)` from a passenger, meaning “It's okay, don't worry about the traffic.”
Encouraging Patience in Learning: It's often paired with `慢慢来 (màn man lái)` which means “take it slow.” When teaching someone a new skill, like playing an instrument or speaking Chinese, this combination is perfect: `别着急，慢慢来 (Bié zháojí, màn man lái)`.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
你慢慢开，别着急，我们等你。
Pinyin: Nǐ màn man kāi, bié zháojí, wǒmen děng nǐ.
English: Drive slowly, don't rush. We'll wait for you.
Analysis: Used to reassure a friend who is running late, prioritizing their safety over their punctuality.
English: If you have something to say, say it nicely. Don't get so worked up and angry.
Analysis: A way to de-escalate a tense conversation. `着急上火 (zháojí shànghuǒ)` is a common idiom meaning “to get anxious and flare up in anger.”
Example 10:
我告诉自己别着急，一步一步来。
Pinyin: Wǒ gàosù zìjǐ bié zháojí, yībù yībù lái.
English: I told myself not to worry and to take it one step at a time.
Analysis: Demonstrates how the phrase can be used for internal self-talk to manage one's own stress and impatience.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`别着急 (bié zháojí)` vs. `别担心 (bié dānxīn)`: This is a key distinction for learners.
别着急 (bié zháojí): Use this when someone is impatient, flustered, or in a hurry. It's about the process and the feeling of being rushed. (e.g., waiting in a long line, trying to fix a bug in code).
别担心 (bié dānxīn): Use this when someone is worried about a potential negative outcome. It's about fear of the future. (e.g., worried about failing an exam, worried about a family member's health).
Common Pitfall: Using it for Deep Sadness or Grief
It is highly inappropriate to say `别着急` to someone who is grieving or expressing deep sadness. The phrase implies the problem is temporary or can be solved with patience, which is insensitive in the context of loss.
`* Incorrect:` 他的狗去世了，我告诉他：“别着急。” (Tā de gǒu qùshì le, wǒ gàosù tā: “Bié zháojí.”) → His dog passed away, and I told him: “Don't be anxious.” This is tonally deaf and wrong.
`* Correct:` In such a situation, a phrase like `别难过 (bié nánguò)` (don't be sad) or `节哀顺变 (jié'āi shùnbiàn)` (my condolences) would be appropriate.
Related Terms and Concepts
别担心 (bié dānxīn): “Don't worry.” A close relative, but focuses on alleviating fear about a future outcome rather than impatience in the present moment.
慢慢来 (màn man lái): “Take it slow; take your time.” The perfect partner phrase to `别着急`. Often said together: `别着急，慢慢来`.
冷静 (lěngjìng): “Calm down.” This is a more direct and sometimes forceful command used when someone is agitated, panicking, or angry. `别着急` is softer and more reassuring.
耐心 (nàixīn): The noun for “patience.” `别着急` is the command to be patient. You could say: `要有耐心，别着急 (Yào yǒu nàixīn, bié zháojí)`.
别紧张 (bié jǐnzhāng): “Don't be nervous.” Specifically targets the feeling of nervousness, commonly used before a performance, public speaking, or an interview.
放心 (fàngxīn): “Rest assured; set your mind at ease.” This is used to promise someone that a situation is under control and they don't need to worry. You can say it before `别着急` to add extra reassurance.