apuro
/aˈpuɾo/
The English phrase 'hustle' can be expressed in Spanish in several ways depending on whether you mean exerting effort, rushing or constant activity.
The term 'hustle' is versatile in English, and Spanish requires different words based on your specific intent. If you mean the state of being in a hurry or a sense of urgency, use apuro. If you want to describe the action of rushing or moving faster, use the verb apurarse. For the concept of 'hustle and bustle' or constant, busy activity, the word ajetreo is more appropriate. If you are referring to the noun forms of rush or commotion, you can also use bullicio or correcorre.
Meaning: to put in a lot of effort (verb)
Which one should you use?
While apuro refers to a specific state of hurry or urgency, ajetreo is used to describe the continuous, busy activity or bustle found in a hectic environment. To express the verb 'to hurry up' specifically, use the reflexive verb apurarse.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Echarle ganas is a common informal way to express the idea of hustling in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In terms of parts of speech, apuro is a noun meaning a state of hurry, urgency or rush, rather than a verb. For the action of rushing, use the reflexive verb apurarse.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈpuɾo/
Did you know?
- While apuro describes a hurry, the verb apurar can also mean to finish something completely, such as drinking the last drop of a glass.
- The word apuro can be used to describe a person in a difficult or embarrassing situation, not just a state of being in a hurry. It often implies being 'in a pinch' or facing a social or financial squeeze.
- The term correcorre is an onomatopoeic-style reduplication of the verb 'to run', used specifically to describe the frantic 'hustle' of people moving around in a crowded area.
Examples in context
- Debes trabajar duro para alcanzar el éxito.You must hustle to achieve success.
- El éxito viene de trabajar duro y no darse por vencido.Success comes from hustling and not giving up.
- Si te esfuerzas lo suficiente, lograrás tus metas.If you hustle enough, you will achieve your goals.
- Es necesario esforzarse para triunfar en la vida.It is necessary to hustle in order to succeed in life.
- Si le das duro, vas a lograrlo.If you hustle, you will make it.
- ¡Vamos, dale duro y verás los resultados!Come on, hustle hard, and you'll see results!
- Para tener éxito, debes echarle ganas.To succeed, you must hustle.
- Si te echas ganas, lograrás todo lo que te propongas.If you hustle, you will achieve everything you set out to do.
Example conversation
Maria and Daniel are cleaning the house quickly before guests arrive.
- MaríaDaniel, ponle apuro con la cocina.Daniel, hustle with the kitchen.
- DanielLo estoy haciendo lo más rápido posible.I'm doing it as fast as possible.
- María¡Date apuro que ya casi llegan!Hustle, they are almost here!
- DanielEstá bien, ya casi termino todo.All right, I'm almost finished with everything.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry apuro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
