A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm in a hurry" in French
Express urgency in French with 'Je suis pressé(e)', the go-to phrase for being in a hurry.
Je suis pressé(e).
zhuh swee preh-SAYneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need to leave quickly, like when you're late for an appointment or need to catch a train. It's also useful if someone is holding you up and you need to get going.
Alternatives
- Je suis dans l'urgence.Use this for a more serious or critical situation.
- Je dois filer.This is a more casual way to say you need to leave quickly.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 's'
The 's' in 'pressé' is pronounced, not silent like in some English words.
Forgetting the 'e'
If you are female, add an 'e' at the end: 'pressée'.
A small cultural note
While 'Je suis pressé(e)' is perfectly understood, French culture often values taking one's time, so using it too frequently might be noticed.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say I'm in a hurry in French?
The most common way is 'Je suis pressé' if you're male, or 'Je suis pressée' if you're female. It directly translates to 'I am hurried'.
Is 'Je suis pressé' formal or informal?
It's a neutral phrase suitable for most situations, from talking with friends to interacting with shopkeepers or colleagues.
What if I'm really in a rush?
For a more intense sense of urgency, you could say 'Je suis dans l'urgence,' which implies a more critical need to hurry.
