匆促 (cōng cù) is an adjective meaning 'hasty' or 'precipitate', describing actions or situations carried out in a rush, often without sufficient care, preparation, or thought. The character 匆 conveys speed and urgency—think of the idiom 匆匆忙忙 ('in a great hurry')—while 促 means 'to urge' or 'to hasten', reinforcing the sense of being pushed forward too quickly. Together, they form a compound that emphasizes both the swiftness and the lack of deliberation.

This word is commonly used in written and formal spoken Chinese to describe rushed decisions, hurried departures, or hastily prepared work. It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying potential carelessness or inefficiency. You’ll encounter it in news reports, essays, and everyday descriptions of time-pressured scenarios—like finishing homework before class or packing for a trip at the last minute. Unlike the more neutral 急 (jí), 匆促 suggests a visible, often socially noticeable lack of composure or thoroughness.