Learning how to say “hurry up” in Spanish can be particularly useful when you find yourself in a situation that requires urgency or when you simply need someone to pick up the pace. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this phrase, while providing you with various examples and helpful tips along the way. Whether you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or engaging with Spanish speakers in your community, mastering these phrases will undoubtedly prove valuable. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Informal Ways to Say “Hurry Up”
When expressing a sense of urgency in a casual or informal setting, you have several options. Let’s take a look at the most commonly used phrases:
- Apúrate: This is the most straightforward and widely used way to say “hurry up” in Spanish. It is commonly used among friends and family members. For example:
¡Apúrate, vamos a perder el autobús! (Hurry up, we’re going to miss the bus!)
- Dále prisa: This phrase, which literally translates to “give it haste,” is another common way to urge someone to hurry.
¡Dále prisa, tenemos que llegar temprano! (Hurry up, we have to arrive early!)
- Apura: Similar to “apúrate,” this word is used to tell someone to hurry up. It is commonly used in some Latin American countries.
¡Apura, nos van a dejar atrás! (Hurry up, they’re going to leave us behind!)
2. Formal Ways to Say “Hurry Up”
When speaking in a formal or polite context, it’s important to use appropriate expressions to convey urgency. Here are some phrases commonly used in formal situations:
- Apresúrese: This is the formal way to say “hurry up” in Spanish. It is used when addressing someone with respect or in professional environments. For example:
Por favor, apresúrese, la reunión comenzará en breve. (Please hurry up, the meeting will start soon.)
- Despache: This formal verb suggests the idea of dispatching or attending to a matter quickly and efficiently.
Despache, no tenemos mucho tiempo. (Hurry up, we don’t have much time.)
- Acelere: Another formal word meaning “to accelerate” that can be used to express urgency.
Acelere, tenemos un vuelo que no podemos perder. (Hurry up, we have a flight we can’t miss.)
3. Additional Phrases and Tips
Now, let’s explore some additional phrases related to hurrying up that might come in handy:
- Darse prisa: This phrase can be roughly translated as “to hurry oneself.” While not explicitly mentioning the word “hurry,” it conveys the same sense of urgency.
Vamos, ¡date prisa! (Come on, hurry up!)
- Ir rápido: When you want to encourage someone to go quickly without explicitly using the word “hurry,” this phrase is a good alternative.
Ve rápido, no llegues tarde. (Go quickly, don’t be late.)
- No perder tiempo: If your intention is to urge someone not to waste any time, this phrase provides a clear message while avoiding the direct mention of hurrying.
Vamos, no perdamos tiempo, tenemos mucho por hacer. (Let’s go, let’s not waste time, we have a lot to do.)
Remember, it is essential to consider the tone and context when using these expressions. While they may convey a sense of urgency, always aim to maintain politeness and respect towards others.
4. Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken across various regions, and as a result, some differences in vocabulary and expressions can exist. However, when it comes to expressing urgency, the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that certain countries or regions may have unique local variations or colloquialisms for “hurry up.” Engaging with locals and immersing yourself in the local culture can help you uncover these variations and enrich your language skills further.
Conclusion
Mastering the phrase “hurry up” in Spanish allows you to communicate effectively when time is of the essence and ensures that you’re well-equipped in various social and professional situations. Remember to tailor your choice of expression based on the level of formality and maintain a courteous approach. Practice these phrases regularly, and don’t hesitate to engage with native speakers to deepen your understanding and fluency. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
