Are you in a hurry and need to know how to express it in Spanish? Look no further! In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “hurry” in both formal and informal contexts. Whether you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or simply want to expand your vocabulary, these tips and examples will help you communicate effectively. So, let’s dive in!
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How to Say “Hurry” in Formal Spanish
When addressing someone in a formal setting, it’s important to use the appropriate level of courtesy. Here are a few ways to express “hurry” politely in formal Spanish:
1. Apresurarse
If you’re looking for a generic translation of “hurry,” you can use the verb “apresurarse” which means “to hurry.” This formal expression is widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions. Here’s an example:
Por favor, apresúrese. Tenemos poco tiempo para llegar al aeropuerto.
(Please hurry. We have little time to get to the airport.)
2. Darse prisa
Another common formal phrase is “darse prisa,” which translates to “to hurry oneself.” This expression is used to politely request urgency. Take a look at the example below:
Le ruego que se dé prisa. El evento comenzará en breve.
(I kindly ask that you hurry. The event will start soon.)
How to Say “Hurry” in Informal Spanish
In less formal situations, such as talking with friends or family, you can use these phrases to convey urgency without sounding overly formal:
1. Darle caña
“Darle caña” is a colloquial way of saying “hurry up” in Spanish. It’s commonly used among friends and peers. Here’s an example:
Vamos, dale caña. No queremos llegar tarde a la fiesta.
(Come on, hurry up. We don’t want to be late for the party.)
2. Apurarse
“Apurarse” is another informal verb that translates to “to hurry” or “to rush.” It’s frequently used in casual conversations when expressing urgency. Have a look at the example below:
Apúrate, que el concierto comienza en diez minutos.
(Hurry up, the concert starts in ten minutes.)
Regional Variations
While the previously mentioned expressions are widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions, you may encounter some variations in different countries or communities. Below are a few of these variations:
1. Date prisa
In some regions, “date prisa” is used instead of “darse prisa” to convey the same meaning. It is more commonly heard in Latin American countries. Check out the example:
Date prisa, no queremos perder el autobús.
(Hurry up, we don’t want to miss the bus.)
2. Apurate
Another variation of “apurarse” is “apurarse” itself, but without the reflexive pronoun. This version is frequently used in informal conversations in some Spanish-speaking countries. Here’s an example:
¡Apúrate! La película está por comenzar.
(Hurry up! The movie is about to start.)
Additional Tips and Phrases
To enhance your understanding and usage of these phrases, here are some additional tips and related Spanish expressions:
1. Use body language and intonation
When expressing urgency, remember that body language and intonation play a vital role in conveying the appropriate message. Quick, animated gestures and a sense of urgency in your voice will emphasize your request.
2. “¡Date prisa!” and “¡Apúrate!”
If you want to be even more direct when asking someone to hurry, you can simply say “¡Date prisa!” or “¡Apúrate!” These phrases are concise and straightforward.
3. Urgent situations
In urgent situations where immediate action is required, it’s common to use exclamatory phrases like “¡Rápido!” or “¡Deprisa!” Here’s an example:
¡Rápido, el coche está en llamas! ¡Debemos salir ahora!
(Quick, the car is on fire! We must leave now!)
4. “Ya mismo”
Another casual way to express urgency is by using the term “ya mismo,” which means “right away” or “right now.” This phrase adds a sense of immediate action. For instance:
Ven aquí ya mismo, necesito hablar contigo urgente.
(Come here right away, I need to talk to you urgently.)
By familiarizing yourself with these tips and phrases, you’ll be well-prepared to express “hurry” in various situations and contexts while staying polite and effective.
Remember, language and culture go hand in hand. Embrace the opportunities to practice your newly acquired knowledge and enjoy the richness of the Spanish-speaking world. ¡Buena suerte y que te vaya bien! (Good luck and all the best!)
