sois rapide
To say "be quick" in French, you use sois rapide.
This phrase is used as a request or command to perform an action in a short amount of time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into sois, which is the imperative form of the verb être (to be) and rapide, which means quick or fast.
Which one should you use?
While sois rapide is a standard way to command someone to be quick, you might also use Fais vite to say "do quickly" or Dépêche-toi to say "hurry up". Additionally, Ne traîne pas is a colloquial way to ask someone to be quick, literally meaning "don't drag".
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form sois rapide uses the tu form of the imperative, which makes it appropriate for addressing friends, family or children.
Did you know?
- The word rapide was borrowed from the Latin rapidus, replacing the inherited Old French word rade.
- The colloquial phrase ne traîne pas uses the verb traîner, which also means 'to hang out' or 'to loiter' in a social context.
- In a hurry, a French speaker might shout 'Vite!' instead of using a full sentence, which functions as a single-word command meaning 'Quick!' or 'Fast!'
Examples in context
- Sois rapide ou tu manqueras le train.Be quick, or you will miss the train.This sentence shows the consequence of not being quick with the form sois rapide.Tatoeba #9276 by flower, translation #19690 by CK
- Sois rapide, le film va commencer.Be quick, the movie is about to start.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are getting ready to leave the house.
- ChloéSois rapide, Gabriel, nous sommes en retard !Be quick, Gabriel, we are late!
- GabrielJ'arrive, je cherche mes clés.I'm coming, I'm looking for my keys.
- ChloéDépêche-toi, s'il te plaît.Hurry up, please.
- GabrielÇa y est, je suis prêt.There we go, I am ready.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rapide, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
