apurado
/apuˈɾado/
In Spanish, the phrase "in a hurry" can be expressed using the adjective apurado. If unsure, use apurado. Wiktionary also lists apresurado.
Meaning: rushed, hurried, short of time (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| apurado | /apuˈɾado/ |
| apresurado | /apɾesuˈɾado/ |
The term is used to describe someone who is rushed, hurried or short of time. To express the state of being in a hurry, use the verb estar instead of ser. For example, you would say Estoy apurado to mean "I'm rushed".
Which one should you use?
While both apurado and apresurado can mean "in a hurry", they have different nuances. apurado often implies that a person is pressed for time or has a shortage of time. In contrast, apresurado emphasizes the physical act of moving or acting too quickly.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective apurado must agree with the person or group it describes. A woman would use the feminine form apurada, while a group of men or a mixed group would use the masculine plural form apurados.
How do you pronounce it?
/apuˈɾado/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, if you say you are apurado regarding money, it means you are 'strapped' or 'short' of cash. It shifts the meaning from time to financial scarcity.
- While apurado means 'in a hurry', the verb apurar can also mean to finish a drink or a meal entirely, such as polishing off the last drop of a glass.
- The root of apurar is linked to the idea of 'pressing' or 'squeezing', which is why being 'hurried' feels like a physical pressure in the language's logic.
Examples in context
- Juan salió de casa apurado.John left home in a hurry.This sentence shows how to describe someone leaving a house in a hurry using apurado.Tatoeba #2145003 by hayastan, translation #2145006 by MethodGT
- Nuestros invitados están apurados.Our guests are in a hurry.This sentence uses apurado to describe guests who are in a hurry.Tatoeba #6629362 by Schuager, translation #3092440 by CK
- Si no estás apurado, quedate un poco más, por favor.If you're not in a hurry, please stay a little longer.This sentence uses apurado to ask if someone is in a hurry.Tatoeba #1466917 by hayastan, translation #1467607 by GPHemsley
- ¡Lo siento, tengo prisa!Sorry, I'm in a hurry!
- Ando apurado, no puedo quedarme mucho tiempoI'm hurrying, I can't stay for long
- Estoy apurado, necesito hacer esto rápidamenteI'm rushed, I need to do this quickly
- Perdón, estoy con prisa, ¿podría atenderme rápido?Sorry, I'm in a hurry, could you help me quickly?
- Lamentablemente, tengo prisa por llegar a una reunión importante.Unfortunately, I'm in a hurry to get to an important meeting.
- ¡Oye, tengo prisa! ¡Date prisa también!Hey, I'm in a hurry! Hurry up too!
- Ando apurado, ¿puedes decirme dónde está la salida más cercana?I'm hurrying, can you tell me where the nearest exit is?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo meets Elena in the hallway at work.
- ElenaHola Mateo, ¿por qué vas tan apurado?Hi Mateo, why are you in such a hurry?
- MateoEs que estoy muy apurado para llegar al banco.It is just that I am in a big hurry to get to the bank.
- ElenaEstá bien, no te distraigo más.Alright, I won't distract you any longer.
- MateoGracias, Elena, nos vemos luego.Thanks, Elena, see you later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in a hurry” translations and entries apurado, apresurado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apresurado, apurado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
