# 急如星火

jí rú xīng huǒ

Require extremely prompt action

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Urgent like a shooting spark

**Register:** Urgent · literary

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Describe a pressing matter or frantic haste.

Strong and somewhat literary.

## Understanding the expression

A bright moving spark gives the phrase a sense of speed and immediate danger. Modern use describes a request, journey, or problem that cannot wait. It can appear in formal reports or vivid storytelling rather than relaxed conversation. The urgency may come from a deadline or a threat to safety. Naming the needed action makes the expression useful, because merely sounding urgent does not show others what should happen next.

## Examples

救援请求急如星火。

### Traditional Chinese

救援請求急如星火。

jiù yuán qǐng qiú jí rú xīng huǒ 。

The rescue request is extremely urgent.

他急如星火地赶往医院。

### Traditional Chinese

他急如星火地趕往醫院。

tā jí rú xīng huǒ dì gǎn wǎng yī yuàn 。

He rushed urgently to the hospital.

这批药品的运输急如星火。

### Traditional Chinese

這批藥品的運輸急如星火。

zhè pī yào pǐn de yùn shū jí rú xīng huǒ 。

Transporting these medicines is urgently necessary.

通知说维修急如星火。

### Traditional Chinese

通知說維修急如星火。

tōng zhī shuō wéi xiū jí rú xīng huǒ 。

The notice says repairs are extremely urgent.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%80%A5%E5%A6%82%E6%98%9F%E7%81%AB)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=211&webMd=1&la=0)

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