What does it mean word for word?
The phrase a la mayor brevedad posible literally translates to 'at the greatest brevity possible'.
Which one should you use?
While a la mayor brevedad posible is a highly formal way to say 'as soon as possible', you can use lo antes posible for a more direct and slightly less formal alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase a la mayor brevedad posible is highly formal and is most appropriate for professional correspondence or official requests. For informal situations, you should use Cuando puedas (when you can) or Cuando te venga bien (when it suits you).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, you might use Cuando tenga disponibilidad (when you have availability) instead of Cuando le sea más conveniente.
How do you pronounce it?
/a la maʝoɾ bɾebedad posible/
Did you know?
- While a la mayor brevedad posible sounds very soft in English, in a Spanish business context it functions as a polite but firm command that implies a deadline is approaching.
- In highly formal Spanish administration, you might see a la mayor brevedad used without the word posible. This omission makes the request feel even more official and clipped.
- Using the informal cuando puedas in a professional email to a superior in Spain or Mexico could be perceived as overly familiar or even disrespectful.
Examples in context
- Por favor, envíeme el informe a la mayor brevedad posible.Please send me the report at your earliest convenience.
- Necesitamos una respuesta a la mayor brevedad posible.We need a response at your earliest convenience.
- Llámeme a la mayor brevedad posible, por favor.Please call me at your earliest convenience.
Example conversation
María is asking Mateo to review a document for a meeting.
- MaríaMateo, ¿puedes revisar este documento?Mateo, can you review this document?
- MateoSí, María, lo haré ahora mismo.Yes, María, I will do it right now.
- MaríaGracias, necesito tus comentarios a la mayor brevedad posible.Thank you, I need your comments at your earliest convenience.
- MateoNo te preocupes, te los envío pronto.Don't worry, I will send them to you soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
