Learning how to say “run” in Mexican Spanish can be a helpful skill, especially if you’re planning to visit or interact with Spanish speakers in Mexico. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express this action, taking regional variations into account only when necessary. So, lace up your virtual running shoes and let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Run”
When it comes to formal situations or addressing someone with respect, Mexican Spanish offers several options to express the verb “to run.” Remember to use these phrases when speaking to older individuals, authority figures, or in professional contexts:
- Correr: This is the most common and neutral term used for “to run” in formal Mexican Spanish. For example:
“Debo correr para no llegar tarde a la reunión.” (I must run so I don’t arrive late to the meeting.)
- Ejecutar: Although primarily used in legal or bureaucratic contexts, “ejecutar” can also mean “to run” in a formal sense. Here’s an example:
“Mi jefe me pidió ejecutar una serie de tareas urgentes.” (My boss asked me to run a series of urgent tasks.)
- Desplazarse con rapidez: This phrase, meaning “to move quickly,” can be used in very formal situations to convey the idea of running. Example:
“El guardaespaldas se desplazó con rapidez para proteger al presidente.” (The bodyguard ran quickly to protect the president.)
Informal Ways to Say “Run”
Mexican Spanish also provides several casual and colloquial alternatives for expressing the action of running. These expressions are commonly used among friends, peers, and in everyday situations:
- Echar una carrera: This phrase literally translates to “to throw a race” and is often used to describe running in a playful or friendly manner. For instance:
“Vamos a echar una carrera para ver quién llega primero.” (Let’s run to see who arrives first.)
- Huir: While “huir” is directly translated as “to flee,” it can also be used informally to mean “to run away” or “to escape.” Example:
“Cuando me vio comer su postre, salió corriendo y no lo volví a ver.” (When he saw me eating his dessert, he ran away, and I never saw him again.)
- Corretear: This verb is typically used to describe when someone is chasing or being chased while running playfully. For example:
“Los niños corrteaban por el parque mientras jugaban al fútbol.” (The kids were running around the park while playing soccer.)
It’s worth noting that regional variations in Mexican Spanish can influence the specific vocabulary used for “to run.” However, the formal and informal expressions mentioned above are widely understood across the country.
Additional Tips and Examples
To further enhance your understanding of how to say “run” in Mexican Spanish, here are a few additional tips and examples:
- Context matters: The appropriate term for “run” may vary depending on the context of the sentence. Consider the situation and the specific meaning you want to convey.
- Use supporting words: Mexican Spanish commonly employs adverbs to provide extra information about running. Examples include “rápido” (fast), “ligero” (light), or “veloz” (swift).
- Combine expressions: You can combine the verbs and phrases mentioned above with appropriate prepositions and pronouns to enhance meaning and precision. For instance: “Voy a correr hacia el parque” (I’m going to run to the park).
Now that you’ve learned the formal and informal ways to say “run” in Mexican Spanish, keep practicing and incorporating these expressions into your conversations. As with any language, practice and exposure to native speakers will enhance your fluency. ¡Que tengas buena suerte! (Good luck!)
