rápido
/ˈrapido/
The English word "speedy" is translated into Spanish as rápido.
rápido is an adjective used to describe something characterized by rapid or swift motion. In many contexts, it can also function as an adverb to mean "quickly".
Meaning: characterized by rapid or swift motion (adj)
Which one should you use?
While rápido is an adjective meaning 'speedy', it can also function as an adverb meaning 'quickly' in many contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, rápido must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use rápida for feminine nouns, rápidos for masculine plural nouns and rápidas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrapido/
Did you know?
- You can use the phrase a toda máquina to describe something moving at a 'speedy' or full-throttle pace, literally meaning 'at full machine'.
- While rápido means 'speedy', the Spanish word veloz is often reserved for inherent speed, such as a cheetah or a bullet, whereas rápido often describes the pace of an action.
- The English word 'rapid' and the Spanish word rápido are actually direct linguistic cousins, both descending from the Latin 'rapidus'.
Examples in context
- El tren llegó rápidoThe train arrived quickly
- El corredor es muy velozThe runner is very speedy
- Hice los deberes al vueloI did the homework really quickly
- Terminé el trabajo de voladaI finished the job in no time
- ¡Esa motocicleta es realmente veloz! ¿Cuál es su velocidad máxima?That motorcycle is really speedy! What is its top speed?
- Ana es rapidilla para terminar las tareas.Ana is speedy when it comes to finishing tasks.
- El paquete llegó presto a su destino.The package arrived promptly at its destination.
- Hice los deberes al vuelo y logré pasar tiempo con mis amigos.I did the homework quickly and managed to spend time with my friends.
- Terminamos la carrera de volada, ¡fue emocionante!We finished the race in a flash, it was exciting!
- un proceso rápidoA speedy process
- El coche es muy rápido.The car is very fast.
- Necesito un servicio rápido.I need a speedy service.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a new delivery service.
- DanielEste envío fue muy rápido.This shipment was very speedy.
- MaríaSí, llegó en un día.Yes, it arrived in one day.
- DanielEl servicio es realmente rápido.The service is really speedy.
- MaríaLo usaré la próxima vez.I will use it next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speedy” translations and entries rápido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rápido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
