Hello there! If you’re looking to learn how to say “hurry up” in Spanish, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you need it for a casual conversation with friends or for a more formal setting, I’ll walk you through both the informal and formal ways to express this phrase in Spanish. So, let’s dive right in!
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Informal Ways to Say “Hurry Up” in Spanish
When you’re among friends or speaking in a casual context, you’ll normally use these phrases to say “hurry up”:
1. “Apúrate”
The most common way to say “hurry up” casually is by using the verb “apurar,” which means “to hurry” or “to rush.” So, you can say “¡Apúrate!” to express “Hurry up!” in an informal setting.
Example: Apúrate, vamos a llegar tarde al cine. (Hurry up, we’re going to be late for the movies.)
2. “Date prisa”
Another popular way to say “hurry up” informally is by using the phrase “date prisa,” which literally translates to “give yourself hurry.” This expression is commonly used in everyday conversations.
Example: ¡Date prisa! La comida se está enfriando. (Hurry up! The food is getting cold.)
Formal Ways to Say “Hurry Up” in Spanish
If you’re in a more formal setting or need to address someone respectfully, you can use these alternatives to say “hurry up” in Spanish:
1. “Apúrese”
When speaking formally, you’ll use the verb “apurar,” conjugated in the imperative form for the third person singular. So, you would say “¡Apúrese!” to politely ask someone to hurry up.
Example: Por favor, señor, ¡apúrese! La reunión está por comenzar. (Please, sir, hurry up! The meeting is about to start.)
2. “Date prisa, por favor”
In more formal contexts, you can add “por favor” (please) to the informal phrase “date prisa” to make it more polite.
Example: Señorita, date prisa, por favor. El autobús está a punto de partir. (Miss, please hurry up. The bus is about to leave.)
Additional Tips and Regional Variations
Now that you know the main ways to say “hurry up” in Spanish, here are a few additional tips and variations:
1. Non-Verbal Expressions
Just like in many cultures, sometimes non-verbal expressions can convey a sense of urgency. An extended arm gesture or patting your wrist as if pointing to a watch can help emphasize the need to hurry.
2. Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned above are widely used across Spanish-speaking regions, there might be some regional variations. For example, in certain parts of Latin America, you may come across variations such as “Apresúrate” or “Acelérate.” However, don’t worry too much about these variations as the previously mentioned phrases will be universally understood.
3. Tone and Context
Remember that tone and context play a significant role in conveying urgency. Speaking louder or using a concerned tone will enhance the sense of urgency regardless of the specific phrase you use.
With these expressions under your belt, you can now confidently tell someone to “hurry up” in both formal and informal situations. Practice them, and soon enough, you’ll sound like a native Spanish speaker! ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
