Welcome to our guide on how to say “hurry up” in Spanish! Whether you’re planning to visit a Spanish-speaking country, have Spanish-speaking friends, or simply want to broaden your linguistic skills, learning how to express urgency in Spanish is an essential part of effective communication. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to convey the concept of “hurry up” in Spanish, along with some regional variations and useful tips. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Hurry Up” in Spanish
When speaking in formal settings or addressing someone you’re not familiar with, it’s important to use formal language. Here are a few phrases you can use:
1. Apúrese
In a formal context, “Apúrese” is a common way to say “hurry up”. It can be used when speaking to a single person or a group of people. This phrase is widely understood and appropriate for use in most Spanish-speaking regions.
2. Date prisa
Another formal expression is “Date prisa,” which translates to “hurry yourself” in English. This phrase is more commonly used when addressing an individual. “Date” means “yourself” and “prisa” means “hurry”. Use this phrase when you want to politely urge someone to speed up.
Informal Ways to Say “Hurry Up” in Spanish
When speaking informally with friends, family, or colleagues you have a closer relationship with, you can use more relaxed phrases. Here are a couple of options:
1. Date prisa / Date prisa tú
In an informal setting, you can simply say “Date prisa” or “Date prisa tú” to tell someone to hurry up. This phrase uses the familiar “tú” form and is suitable for addressing one person you’re close to.
2. Apúrate
Similar to “Apúrese,” “Apúrate” is the informal equivalent. Use it to urge someone you have a friendly relationship with. It can be used interchangeably with “Date prisa” when speaking informally.
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are commonly understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, it’s important to note that there might be regional variations in certain regions. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Darse prisa (Spain)
In Spain, you may come across the phrase “Darse prisa” instead of “Date prisa”. This is simply a regional variation, so feel free to use whichever one you’re most comfortable with.
Tips for Using “Hurry Up” in Spanish
Now that we’ve covered the various ways to say “hurry up” in Spanish, let’s take a look at some tips and examples to enhance your understanding:
1. Tone and Context Matter
Remember, the way you say “hurry up” and the urgency you convey depend on your tone and the context of the situation. Pay attention to the tone used by native speakers to avoid coming across as rude or aggressive.
2. Non-Verbal Cues
In Spanish-speaking countries, non-verbal cues like hand gestures or facial expressions can also help convey urgency. For instance, using a waving hand motion or raising your eyebrows while saying one of the phrases mentioned can further emphasize the need for haste.
3. Adding “Por favor”
When urging someone formally, adding “Por favor” (please) after any of the phrases we mentioned can help soften the request. It shows politeness and consideration for the person’s time.
Example: “Apúrese, por favor” or “Date prisa, por favor.”
4. Contextual Alternatives
Depending on the situation, there might be alternative phrases you can use instead of directly saying “hurry up.” For example, phrases like “Tenemos prisa” (We’re in a hurry) or “¡Date prisa o llegaremos tarde!” (Hurry up, or we’ll be late!) can effectively express urgency without using the specific phrase “hurry up.”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say “hurry up” in Spanish using formal and informal expressions, along with a few regional variations. Remember to consider the context, adjust your tone accordingly, and be aware of non-verbal cues when conveying urgency. Now you’re well-equipped to navigate a Spanish-speaking environment with confidence! Practice these phrases, and enjoy mastering the beautiful Spanish language.
