aceleró
/aθeleɾo/from spelling rules
The English word "sped" translates to Spanish as aceleró.
There are different ways to express speeding depending on the context. For example, conducir a alta velocidad is a formal way to say "to drive at a high speed," whereas ir como un rayo is an informal expression meaning "to go like lightning." In Spain, you might also use the informal phrase ir a toda pastilla to mean "to go at full speed."
How does it change in a sentence?
aceleró is the third-person singular preterite indicative form of the infinitive acelerar. If you want to say "I sped," use the first-person singular preterite form aceleré. Use aceleró to describe a completed action, while the imperfect indicative form aceleraban is used to describe a continuous or habitual action in the past, such as "they were speeding" or "they used to speed."
How do you pronounce it?
/aθeleɾo/
Did you know?
- To describe someone who sped away, Spanish speakers often use salir pitando. This mimics the sound of a whistle, suggesting a sudden and urgent departure.
- If a person 'sped' through a set of instructions or a book, a Spanish speaker might say they 'se lo pasó volando'. This literally translates to 'passed it flying', emphasizing the speed of the consumption rather than the motion.
- The informal expression ir a toda pastilla is common in Spain, but a person in Mexico or Argentina might find the word 'pastilla' (which means 'pill') confusing in this context.
Examples in context
- Un policía me detuvo por conducir a alta velocidad.A policeman pulled me over for driving at high speed.
- Él iba como un rayo por la autopista.He drove like lightning along the highway.
- El coche aceleró de repente.The car sped up suddenly.
- Ella aceleró para llegar a tiempo.She sped up to arrive on time.
- El conductor aceleró en la autopista.The driver sped up on the highway.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are talking about a car ride.
- MaríaVi que el conductor aceleró mucho ayer.I saw that the driver sped up a lot yesterday.
- AlejandroSí, tenía mucha prisa por llegar.Yes, he was in a big hurry to get there.
- MaríaFue un poco peligroso, Alejandro.It was a bit dangerous, Alejandro.
- AlejandroTienes razón, no debió conducir así.You are right, he shouldn't have driven like that.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
