What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of asuntos, meaning matters or affairs and urgentes, meaning urgent or pressing.
Which one should you use?
While asuntos urgentes is the standard way to express this, other forms can shift the nuance. Use Temas urgentes to say urgent issues, Asuntos apremiantes or Cuestiones apremiantes to convey the sense of pressing matters and Problemas cruciales to emphasize that an issue is critical.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may use problemas apremiantes or asuntos prioritarios in a formal context instead of using urgentes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase follows Spanish gender and number agreement. You should use the singular asunto urgente when referring to one pressing issue, and the plural asuntos urgentes when referring to multiple issues.
How do you pronounce it?
/asuntos uɾxentes/
Did you know?
- If you describe a situation as apremiante, you are using a word derived from the verb apremiar, which can also mean to physically press or constrain someone.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling something an asunto can be a polite euphemism to avoid using the word 'problem' (problema), which carries a more negative connotation.
- In formal Spanish diplomacy or law, asuntos is often used to name entire government departments, such as Asuntos Exteriores for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Examples in context
- La crisis climática es uno de los temas urgentes que debemos abordar a nivel mundial.The climate crisis is one of the pressing issues we must address globally.
- Tenemos que discutir los asuntos apremiantes que afectan a nuestra comunidad.We need to discuss the pressing matters affecting our community.
- Es importante abordar las cuestiones apremiantes de pobreza y desempleo en nuestra región.It is important to address the pressing issues of poverty and unemployment in our region.
- Hay algunos problemas urgentes que me gustaría comentarte.There are some urgent issues I would like to discuss with you.
- Los asuntos candentes de seguridad ciudadana requieren una atención inmediata.The pressing matters of citizen safety require immediate attention.
- Estoy preocupado por los temas apremiantes de educación en nuestro país.I am concerned about the pressing issues of education in our country.
- Tenemos que resolver estos asuntos urgentes hoy.We have to resolve these pressing issues today.
- La reunión es sobre asuntos urgentes de la empresa.The meeting is about the company's pressing issues.
- No puedo salir, tengo varios asuntos urgentes.I cannot go out, I have several pressing issues.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing their work tasks at the office.
- MateoSofía, ¿puedes ayudarme con estos asuntos urgentes?Sofía, can you help me with these pressing issues?
- SofíaClaro, Mateo, ¿qué es lo más importante?Of course, Mateo, what is the most important thing?
- MateoNecesitamos enviar este informe ahora mismo.We need to send this report right now.
- SofíaEntendido, me pongo con ello de inmediato.Understood, I will get on it immediately.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
