Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “hurry” in Spanish slang! In this article, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express the concept of hurrying in Spanish. We’ll also highlight any regional variations, providing you with tips, examples, and a warm tone to make your learning experience enjoyable. So, let’s dive right in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Hurry” in Spanish
If you prefer a more formal approach when using Spanish, you can use various phrases to convey the urgency of hurrying. Here are some commonly used formal expressions:
1. Apresurarse
The word “apresurarse” can be used to express the idea of hurry or rushing in a more formal context. It literally means “to hurry oneself” and is commonly used in professional settings or formal conversations. Here’s an example:
Por favor, apresúrate. El jefe nos está esperando para la reunión importante.
Translation: “Please hurry. The boss is waiting for us for the important meeting.”
2. Darse prisa
“Darse prisa” is another common formal phrase that translates to “to hurry” or “to be quick.” It is often used in more serious and professional contexts, showing respect in your conversations. Here’s an example:
Es necesario darse prisa si queremos llegar al aeropuerto a tiempo.
Translation: “It’s necessary to hurry if we want to get to the airport on time.”
3. Tener prisa
A direct translation of “tener prisa” is “to have hurry.” This phrase implies a sense of urgency and is commonly used in formal situations to express that you are in a hurry. Here’s an example:
Disculpe, tengo mucha prisa. ¿Me podría ayudar a encontrar la salida más cercana?
Translation: “Excuse me, I’m in a hurry. Could you help me find the nearest exit?”
Informal Ways to Say “Hurry” in Spanish
On the other hand, if you’re in a more casual and informal environment, using slang expressions for “hurry” will help you sound like a native speaker. Here are some popular informal ways to express the concept of hurry:
1. Correrle prisa
The phrase “correrle prisa” is an informal way of expressing “to be in a hurry” or “to be in a rush.” It’s commonly used among friends or in informal conversations. Here’s an example:
Vamos, ¡me corre prisa llegar al concierto antes de que empiece la banda telonera!
Translation: “Come on, I’m in a hurry to get to the concert before the opening band starts!”
2. Darle cariño
“Darle cariño” is a playful slang expression used in some Latin American countries, mainly Mexico, to convey the concept of “hurry up.” It adds a friendly and casual vibe to your conversations. Here’s an example:
“¡Andale, dale cariño, que nos quedamos sin boletos para el partido de fútbol!”
Translation: “Hurry up, we’re running out of tickets for the soccer game!”
3. Echarle piernas
In certain regions of Latin America, specifically Argentina and Chile, the slang expression “echarle piernas” is used to mean “to hurry” or “to speed up.” It literally translates to “put some legs into it” and adds a fun twist to your conversations. Here’s an example:
Vamos, echemosle piernas si queremos llegar a tiempo para el almuerzo con nuestros amigos.
Translation: “Let’s hurry up if we want to arrive on time for lunch with our friends!”
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and utilized across Spanish-speaking countries, it’s important to note that there might be some regional variations in slang vocabulary or expressions. However, the variations are typically minor, and the aforementioned phrases encompass the general understanding of “hurry” across different Spanish-speaking regions.
Wrap Up
Learning informal and slang expressions for “hurry” in Spanish can help you communicate with native speakers in a more natural and authentic way. With this comprehensive guide, you now have a range of formal and informal options to choose from, including phrases like “apresurarse,” “darse prisa,” “tener prisa,” “correrle prisa,” “darle cariño,” and “echarle piernas.”
Remember to adapt your choice of expression based on the context and level of formality. With practice and exposure to different Spanish-speaking cultures, you’ll become more comfortable incorporating slang expressions into your conversations. Hurry up and start using these phrases – ¡disfrútalas!
