rápido
everyday, Mexico
In Mexican Spanish "quickly" is rápido in everyday speech. The longer form is rápidamente, and de prisa also works.
Meaning: at a fast speed (adverb)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| rápido | everyday, Mexico |
| rápidamente | formal |
| de prisa | neutral |
Mexicans use rápido as an adverb, as in hazlo rápido. The adjective rápido matches the noun, but the adverb stays the same.
Which one should you use?
Rápidamente is more formal and common in writing. Ándale or órale are casual ways to tell someone to hurry up.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Ahorita does not always mean "right now" in Mexico. It can mean soon, later or right away, depending on the speaker, so rápido is clearer.
Did you know?
- In Mexico a city bus is often called camión, which is why Mexicans say perdimos el camión.
Examples in context
- Come rápido, que ya es tarde.Eat quickly, it is already late.
- Contestó rápidamente.He answered quickly.
- Vámonos de prisa.Let's go quickly.
Example conversation
Nacho and his sister Rocío run late for a bus in Mexico City.
- RocíoNacho, camina más rápido.Nacho, walk faster.
- NachoYa voy, ya voy.I am coming, I am coming.
- RocíoSi no corremos, perdemos el camión.If we do not run, we miss the bus.
