Proverb / Kotowaza
善は急げ
Hurry to do good deeds without hesitation.
Hurry with the good
Quick Answer
Hurry to do good deeds without hesitation.
- Literal Image
- Hurry with the good
- Closest Equivalent
- Make hay while the sun shines
- How to Use It
- Used to encourage someone to take immediate action on a positive idea, donation, or helpful deed before the opportunity passes or the impulse fades.
Meaning
When you have the intention to do something good, you should act immediately without hesitation. This proverb emphasizes that good opportunities to perform virtuous acts should not be missed by overthinking or delay.
Literal Image
Hurry with the good
Equivalent Proverbs
Make hay while the sun shines
Focuses on taking advantage of a favorable opportunity.
How to Use It
Used to encourage someone to take immediate action on a positive idea, donation, or helpful deed before the opportunity passes or the impulse fades.
Tone
Encouraging and positive, though it carries a sense of urgency.
Examples
善は急げだ。思い立ったらすぐに行動に移そう。
As they say, 'hurry with the good.' Let's move to action immediately once you've made up your mind.
迷っている暇はない。善は急げで、今すぐ始めるべきだ。
There is no time to hesitate. Hurry with the good; you should start right now.
善は急げというから、寄付をしようと思ったその日のうちに振り込んだ。
They say to do good things quickly, so I made the donation on the very day I thought of it.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the noun for 'good' and the imperative form of a basic verb, making it relatively straightforward for intermediate learners.
善
ぜん / zen
good; goodness; virtue
急げ
いそげ / isoge
hurry; rush (imperative form)
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Do not use this proverb to justify rushing into risky or negative actions; it is specifically reserved for virtuous or positive deeds.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.