panic

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 慌 has 12 strokes, the on-reading こう, and the kun-readings あわてる and あわただしい. 慌てる (あわてる) means to become flustered or hurry.
• Basic usage: 慌てる describes someone's flustered or hurried reaction; 慌ただしい (あわただしい) describes a hectic day or bustling place.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A flustered reaction and a hectic situation
  • 突然呼ばれて慌ててしまった means became flustered when one's name was called unexpectedly. そんなに慌てる必要はない means there is no need to hurry so much.
  • 慌ただしい毎日 refers to the hectic days of the week before moving. 慌ただしく人が行き交っていた describes people hurrying back and forth backstage just before a performance.