Understanding how to say “hurry” in Mexican Spanish can be incredibly useful in various situations, whether you want to make your way through a crowded street or politely ask someone to speed up their actions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express “hurry” in Mexican Spanish, providing useful tips and examples along the way. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal expressions for “hurry” in Mexican Spanish, it’s important to maintain a polite and respectful tone. Here are some commonly used phrases:
1. Apurarse – This is the most common way to say “hurry” in a formal context. It is used when addressing someone you respect or someone in a position of authority. For example:
¡Por favor, apúrese que estamos llegando tarde!
(Please hurry, we are running late!)
2. Darse prisa – This expression is also used in formal situations and translates to “to hurry oneself.” Use it when speaking to someone you are not very familiar with or to convey a sense of urgency. For example:
Le agradecería que se diera prisa en tomar una decisión.
(I would appreciate it if you hurried up in making a decision.)
Informal Expressions
Informal expressions for “hurry” in Mexican Spanish are often more casual and can be used among friends, family, or in everyday situations. Let’s take a look at some popular options:
1. Apurate – This word is a more relaxed and colloquial way to say “hurry up” in Mexican Spanish. It is commonly used among friends or family members. For example:
¡Apúrate, vamos a llegar tarde a la fiesta!
(Hurry up, we’re going to be late for the party!)
2. Date prisa – Similar to the formal expression “darse prisa,” this phrase can be used in an informal context. It conveys a sense of urgency without sounding too formal. For example:
¡Date prisa o nos quedaremos sin boletos para el concierto!
(Hurry up, or we’ll be left without tickets for the concert!)
Tips and Regional Variations
While it’s important to note that Mexican Spanish is widely spoken throughout Mexico, there might be some regional variations in the expressions for “hurry.” Here are a few tips and additional examples to help you navigate these variations:
- When in doubt, opt for the formal expressions. It’s always better to err on the side of politeness when you’re uncertain about the appropriate level of formality.
- Remember that hand gestures and body language can also convey a sense of urgency, regardless of the specific words used.
- Pay attention to context. The urgency you want to convey may vary depending on the situation, so adapt your choice of expression accordingly.
Here are a couple of regional variations:
In some regions of northern Mexico, you may hear the term “echando carreras”, which translates to “racing” or “running” when requesting someone to hurry up:
¡Échale carreras!
(Hurry up!)
In central and southern regions of Mexico, you may come across the phrase “darse prisa” with a slightly different pronunciation:
“Darse prisas”
(Hurry up!)
Remember, these regional variations are not obligatory, but they might add some local flair to your language usage.
Learning how to say “hurry” in Mexican Spanish is a valuable skill that will help you navigate different situations and communicate more effectively. By using the expressions provided in this guide, both formal and informal, you’ll be able to convey a sense of urgency while maintaining a warm and respectful tone. So, start practicing and incorporating these phrases into your daily conversations!
