Japanese meaning of 急がば回れ
Reading:
いそがばまわれ (isogaba maware)
English Translation:
More haste, less speed
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A slower, safer route can be the fastest overall.
Cultural Context:
Linked to historical routes around Lake Biwa (Seta no Karahashi); used in safety, logistics, and project planning.
急ぐときほど安全で確実な方法が結果的に早いという意味。
瀬田の唐橋を迂回する逸話に関連。安全・物流・プロジェクト計画で用いられる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• 急がば = conditional form of 急ぐ (isogu, “to hurry”) + ば (“if/when”)
• 回れ = imperative form of 回る (mawaru, “to go around”)
Conditional clause + imperative, advising that taking the longer way can be safer when in a hurry.
Trap for English Speakers
Literal meaning may confuse learners; a slower, safer route can be faster overall.
Example
Basic Example
急ぐと失敗することがあるので、急がば回れだ。
More haste, less speed—sometimes it’s better to take the long way.
Applied Example
焦って告白したらフラれた…急がば回れだったのに。
I rushed my confession and got rejected… more haste, less speed.