apresurar
/apɾesuˈɾaɾ/
To hasten in Spanish is apresurar.
The verb is used to describe moving in a quick fashion.
Meaning: to move in a quick fashion (verb)
Which one should you use?
The non-reflexive form apresurar is used when you are speeding up a specific action or a process. In contrast, the reflexive form apresurarse is used when a person is hurrying themselves.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the reflexive form apresurarse to say that a person is hurrying. Use the non-reflexive form apresurar when the object of the speed is an external action or process.
How do you pronounce it?
/apɾesuˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- The root of apresurar comes from the medieval word presura, which referred to the act of taking possession of land by occupying it quickly.
- In certain Latin American dialects, the word apurar can actually mean 'to exhaust' or 'to run out of' something, which might confuse a learner expecting 'to hasten'.
- The word prisa shares a common ancestor with the English word 'pressure', as both relate to the concept of pressing or urgency.
Examples in context
- Deberíamos acelerar la producción para cumplir con los plazos.We should hasten production to meet the deadlines.
- El presidente apresuró la firma del contrato para garantizar su implementación oportuna.The president hastened the signing of the contract to ensure timely implementation.
- Nos urge adelantar el proceso de selección de personal.We need to hasten the recruitment process.
- Es imperativo que se den prisa en terminar el proyecto.It is imperative that you hasten to finish the project.
- Déjame terminar esto, ¡no te apures!Let me finish this, don't rush me!
- Vamos a acelerar el pasoLet's hasten our pace
- Tenemos que apresurarnos para llegar a tiempo.We have to hurry to arrive on time.
- La lluvia apresuró la cosecha.The rain hastened the harvest.
- No debes apresurar el paso tanto.You shouldn't hasten your pace so much.
- El viento puede apresurar el movimiento de las nubes.The wind can hasten the movement of the clouds.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are walking to a movie theater.
- ElenaLa película empieza en cinco minutos.The movie starts in five minutes.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, estamos muy cerca.Don't worry, we are very close.
- ElenaAun así, vamos a apresurar el camino.Even so, let's hasten on our way.
- AlejandroEstá bien, camina más rápido, Elena.Alright, walk faster, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry apresurar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apresurar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
