sobre la marcha
/sobɾe la maɾt͡ʃa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'on the go' can be translated into Spanish as sobre la marcha.
While sobre la marcha can describe the state of actively traveling, it is most commonly used to mean doing something 'as you go' or 'improvising' while a process is already underway.
Meaning: actively traveling (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sobre la marcha literally translates to 'on the march'.
Which one should you use?
If you intend to say 'on the go' in the sense of being physically active or constantly moving from one place to another, the phrase en movimiento is often a more natural choice than sobre la marcha.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression A las corridas is an informal way to convey a sense of rushing and is used in certain Latin American countries.
How do you pronounce it?
/sobɾe la maɾtʃa/
Did you know?
- While marcha feels like a Latin-based word, it actually entered Spanish via Old French and originally comes from the Frankish word *markōn.
- Outside of the context of traveling or improvising, marcha can describe a lively party atmosphere or a high-energy social scene.
- The word marcha is also used in Spanish to describe the gear of a car or a lively party atmosphere.
Examples in context
- Nuestro equipo siempre está en movimiento para ofrecer los mejores servicios a nuestros clientes.Our team is always on the go to provide the best services to our clients.
- Estoy a las corridas hoy, no tengo tiempo para nada.I'm on the go today, I don't have time for anything.
- Aprendo mucho sobre la marcha.I learn a lot on the go.
- No puedo planificarlo, lo haré sobre la marcha.I can't plan it, I will do it on the go.
- Decidimos la ruta sobre la marcha.We decided the route on the go.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a project plan.
- DanielDaniel, ¿tienes el plan listo?Daniel, do you have the plan ready?
- ElenaNo, lo iré ajustando sobre la marcha.No, I will adjust it on the go.
- DanielEso suena un poco arriesgado, Elena.That sounds a bit risky, Elena.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, saldrá bien.Don't worry, it will turn out well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sobre la marcha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, marcha, sobre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
