How to Say “Hurry Up” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to say “hurry up” in Spanish is essential for effective communication in a variety of situations. Whether you’re trying to get a friend moving, urging a team to finish a project, or simply expressing impatience, knowing the right phrases can make all the difference.

This article provides a detailed exploration of the various ways to say “hurry up” in Spanish, along with their nuances, contexts, and regional variations. This guide is perfect for language learners of all levels, from beginners looking to expand their vocabulary to advanced speakers seeking to refine their expressions.

Mastering these phrases will not only improve your fluency but also allow you to better understand and connect with Spanish speakers. This comprehensive guide delves into the grammar, usage, and cultural context of each expression, ensuring you can confidently and accurately convey the urgency you intend.

By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with a range of options to say “hurry up” in Spanish, tailored to different situations and levels of formality.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “Hurry Up” in Spanish
3. Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
4. Types and Categories of “Hurry Up” Expressions
   • Formal Expressions
   • Informal Expressions
   • Regional Variations
5. Examples of “Hurry Up” in Spanish
   • Imperative Examples
   • Exclamatory Examples
   • Question Examples
6. Usage Rules for “Hurry Up” Expressions
   • Conjugation Rules
   • Pronoun Placement
   • Formal vs. Informal Usage
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
   • Idiomatic Expressions
   • Cultural Nuances
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Conclusion

Definition of “Hurry Up” in Spanish

The English phrase “hurry up” is used to encourage someone to act more quickly or to complete a task faster. In Spanish, there isn’t a single, direct translation, but rather a variety of expressions that convey the same meaning.

These expressions can vary in formality, intensity, and regional usage. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective communication.

The primary function of these phrases is to expedite action. They can be used in a multitude of contexts, from casual conversations to urgent situations.

The choice of which phrase to use depends on the relationship between the speakers, the level of urgency, and the specific situation. For example, you might use a more informal expression with a close friend, while a more formal phrase would be appropriate for a superior at work.

The Spanish equivalents of “hurry up” often involve the imperative mood, which is used to give commands or instructions. They can also be expressed through exclamations or questions, depending on the desired tone.

The versatility of these expressions allows for a nuanced and context-sensitive approach to encouraging speed and efficiency.

Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases

Several key phrases are used to convey “hurry up” in Spanish. Let’s examine their structural components:

• Date prisa: This phrase literally translates to “give yourself haste.” It uses the reflexive pronoun “te” (changed to “te” because it’s attached to the verb) attached to the imperative form of the verb dar (to give).
• Apúrate: Similar to “date prisa,” this phrase means “hurry yourself.” It uses the reflexive pronoun “te” attached to the imperative form of the verb apurar (to hurry).
• Rápido: This is a simple adjective meaning “fast” or “quick.” When used as an exclamation, it conveys the idea of “hurry up.”
• Más rápido: This phrase means “faster.” It builds on “rápido” by adding “más” (more), increasing the sense of urgency.
• Vamos: This verb means “let’s go” or “we go.” While not a direct translation, it implies a need for haste and can be used to encourage someone to move quickly.

Understanding the structure of these phrases allows you to not only use them correctly but also to adapt them to different situations. For instance, you can modify the imperative forms to address different people or adjust the intensity of the expression by adding adverbs or adjectives.

Types and Categories of “Hurry Up” Expressions

Expressions for “hurry up” in Spanish can be categorized based on formality, intensity, and regional usage. Here’s a breakdown of these categories:

Formal Expressions

Formal expressions are suitable for professional settings, interactions with elders, or any situation where respect and politeness are paramount. These phrases tend to be more indirect and less forceful.

• Por favor, dese prisa: “Please hurry.” This is a polite and respectful way to ask someone to speed up.
• Le agradecería que se diera prisa: “I would appreciate it if you would hurry.” This is a more formal and indirect request.
• ¿Podría darse prisa, por favor?: “Could you please hurry?” This is a polite question that implies a request for haste.

Informal Expressions

Informal expressions are appropriate for casual conversations with friends, family members, or people you know well. These phrases are often more direct and can be more forceful.

• Date prisa: “Hurry up.” This is a common and direct way to tell someone to hurry.
• Apúrate: “Hurry up.” Similar to “date prisa,” this is another common informal expression.
• Rápido: “Quick!” or “Hurry!” This is a simple and direct exclamation.
• Vamos: “Let’s go!” This implies a need for haste and can be used to encourage someone to move quickly.

Regional Variations

The specific phrases used to say “hurry up” can vary from region to region in the Spanish-speaking world. Here are some examples:

• Ándale (Mexico): This is a common expression in Mexico that means “come on” or “hurry up.”
• Órale (Mexico): Similar to “ándale,” this is another common Mexican expression.
• Dale (various countries): This simply means “give it” but can also mean “come on” or “hurry up” in certain contexts.
• Ponte las pilas (various countries): Literally “put in the batteries,” this means to get moving or get energized.

Examples of “Hurry Up” in Spanish

To fully understand how to use these expressions, let’s look at some examples in context.

Imperative Examples

The imperative mood is commonly used to give commands or instructions, making it a natural fit for expressing “hurry up.”

The following table provides examples of imperative phrases in Spanish:

Spanish Phrase	English Translation	Context
Date prisa, llegaremos tarde.	Hurry up, we’ll be late.	Telling a friend to hurry when going to an event.
Apúrate, el autobús está por llegar.	Hurry up, the bus is about to arrive.	Urging someone to hurry to catch the bus.
Vamos, tenemos que irnos ahora.	Let’s go, we have to leave now.	Encouraging a group to leave quickly.
Dése prisa, señor, el tren está saliendo.	Hurry, sir, the train is leaving.	Formally telling a man to hurry to catch the train.
Apúrense, chicos, la película va a empezar.	Hurry up, guys, the movie is about to start.	Telling a group of friends to hurry to the cinema.
Date prisa, María, tu madre te está esperando.	Hurry up, Maria, your mother is waiting for you.	Telling Maria to hurry because her mother is waiting.
Apúrate, Juan, tenemos que terminar esto.	Hurry up, Juan, we have to finish this.	Telling Juan to hurry to complete a task.
Vamos, niños, a la cama.	Let’s go, kids, to bed.	Encouraging children to go to bed quickly.
Apúrate, el examen empieza en cinco minutos.	Hurry up, the exam starts in five minutes.	Urging someone to hurry before an exam.
Date prisa, el concierto está a punto de empezar.	Hurry up, the concert is about to begin.	Telling someone to hurry because the concert is starting.
Vamos, equipo, tenemos que ganar.	Let’s go, team, we have to win.	Encouraging a team to hurry and win.
Apúrate, el jefe nos está esperando.	Hurry up, the boss is waiting for us.	Urging someone to hurry because the boss is waiting.
Date prisa, la cena se va a enfriar.	Hurry up, dinner is going to get cold.	Telling someone to hurry before dinner gets cold.
Vamos, rápido, no tenemos tiempo que perder.	Let’s go, quickly, we have no time to lose.	Encouraging quick action because time is limited.
Apúrate, o perderemos el vuelo.	Hurry up, or we’ll miss the flight.	Urging someone to hurry to catch a flight.
Date prisa, la tienda está a punto de cerrar.	Hurry up, the store is about to close.	Telling someone to hurry before the store closes.
Vamos, no te quedes atrás.	Let’s go, don’t fall behind.	Encouraging someone to keep up and hurry.
Apúrate, necesitamos tu ayuda.	Hurry up, we need your help.	Urging someone to hurry because their help is needed.
Date prisa, el sol se está poniendo.	Hurry up, the sun is setting.	Telling someone to hurry before sunset.
Vamos, tenemos que llegar antes de que llueva.	Let’s go, we have to arrive before it rains.	Encouraging quick action to avoid the rain.
Apúrate, o llegaremos tarde al trabajo.	Hurry up, or we’ll be late for work.	Urging someone to hurry to avoid being late.
Date prisa, la fiesta ya empezó.	Hurry up, the party has already started.	Telling someone to hurry because the party has begun.
Vamos, no seas lento.	Let’s go, don’t be slow.	Encouraging someone to hurry and not be slow.
Apúrate, necesitamos terminar este proyecto hoy.	Hurry up, we need to finish this project today.	Urging someone to hurry to complete a project.
Date prisa, el concierto ya va a empezar.	Hurry up, the concert is about to start.	Telling someone to hurry before the concert begins.

Exclamatory Examples

Using exclamations is another effective way to convey the need to hurry, often adding a sense of urgency or impatience.

The following table provides examples of exclamatory phrases in Spanish:

Spanish Phrase	English Translation	Context
¡Rápido!	Quick! / Hurry!	Expressing urgency in a general situation.
¡Más rápido!	Faster!	Demanding more speed from someone.
¡Pronto!	Quickly! / Soon!	Implies the need for immediate action.
¡Ya!	Now!	Emphasizing the immediate need for action.
¡Venga!	Come on!	Encouraging someone to hurry and get moving.
¡Ándale!	Hurry up! / Come on! (Mexico)	Common Mexican expression for urging speed.
¡Órale!	Hurry up! / Let’s go! (Mexico)	Another Mexican expression for encouraging action.
¡Corre!	Run!	Implies a high level of urgency.
¡Apresúrate!	Hurry!	A more emphatic form of “apúrate.”
¡De prisa!	Quickly!	Another way to say quickly or hurry up.
¡Vamos ya!	Let’s go now!	Combining “vamos” with “ya” for added urgency.
¡Date vida!	Get a move on!	Literally, “give yourself life,” implying to hurry.
¡Despierta!	Wake up!	Used when someone is being slow or inattentive.
¡Muévete!	Move!	Directly telling someone to move faster.
¡Enseguida!	Immediately!	Expressing that something needs to be done right away.
¡Al instante!	Instantly!	Similar to “enseguida,” emphasizing immediate action.
¡Sin demora!	Without delay!	Stressing the importance of acting quickly.
¡No tardes!	Don’t be late!	Urging someone not to delay.
¡Que te apures!	Hurry up! (emphatic)	An emphatic way to tell someone to hurry.
¡Que te des prisa!	Hurry up! (emphatic)	Similar emphatic form using “date prisa.”
¡No hay tiempo que perder!	There’s no time to lose!	Expressing the urgency of a situation.
¡A volar!	Let’s fly!	Figuratively meaning to hurry.
¡A toda prisa!	At full speed!	Emphasizing the need for maximum speed.
¡Más vale que te apures!	You better hurry!	A warning to hurry up.
¡Ponte las pilas!	Get your act together! / Get moving!	Literally “put in the batteries,” meaning to get energized.

Question Examples

Asking questions can be a less direct, but still effective, way to encourage someone to hurry.

The following table provides examples of question phrases in Spanish:

Spanish Phrase	English Translation	Context
¿Te vas a apurar?	Are you going to hurry up?	Asking someone if they intend to hurry.
¿Vas a darte prisa?	Are you going to hurry?	Similar to the previous example, but using “date prisa.”
¿Podrías apurarte, por favor?	Could you hurry up, please?	A polite request for someone to hurry.
¿Podrías darte prisa, por favor?	Could you hurry, please?	A slightly more formal version of the previous question.
¿No te apuras?	Aren’t you hurrying?	Questioning why someone isn’t hurrying.
¿No vas a apurarte?	Aren’t you going to hurry up?	Similar to the previous example, but more direct.
¿Cuándo te vas a apurar?	When are you going to hurry up?	Expressing impatience and asking when they will hurry.
¿Cuándo vas a darte prisa?	When are you going to hurry?	Similar to the previous example, but using “date prisa.”
¿Necesitas que te apure?	Do you need me to hurry you?	Offering to provide encouragement to hurry.
¿No deberíamos apurarnos?	Shouldn’t we hurry up?	Suggesting that everyone should hurry.
¿No deberíamos darnos prisa?	Shouldn’t we hurry?	Similar suggestion using “darnos prisa.”
¿Por qué no te apuras?	Why don’t you hurry up?	Expressing frustration with someone’s slowness.
¿Por qué no te das prisa?	Why don’t you hurry?	Similar expression using “date prisa.”
¿Ya te apuraste?	Did you hurry up yet?	Asking if someone has already hurried.
¿Ya te diste prisa?	Did you hurry yet?	Similar question using “date prisa.”
¿Qué esperas para apurarte?	What are you waiting for to hurry up?	Expressing strong impatience.
¿Qué esperas para darte prisa?	What are you waiting for to hurry?	Similar expression using “date prisa.”
¿Vamos a llegar a tiempo si no te apuras?	Are we going to arrive on time if you don’t hurry up?	Expressing concern about being late.
¿Vamos a llegar a tiempo si no te das prisa?	Are we going to arrive on time if you don’t hurry?	Similar concern using “date prisa.”
¿Te importaría apurarte un poco?	Would you mind hurrying up a bit?	A polite and indirect request.
¿Te importaría darte prisa un poco?	Would you mind hurrying a bit?	Similar polite request using “date prisa.”
¿No crees que deberíamos apurarnos?	Don’t you think we should hurry up?	Suggesting that everyone should hurry.
¿No crees que deberíamos darnos prisa?	Don’t you think we should hurry?	Similar suggestion using “darnos prisa.”
¿Estás listo para apurarte?	Are you ready to hurry up?	Asking if someone is prepared to hurry.
¿Estás listo para darte prisa?	Are you ready to hurry?	Similar question using “date prisa.”

Usage Rules for “Hurry Up” Expressions

To use these expressions correctly, it’s important to understand the grammatical rules that govern them.

Conjugation Rules

When using imperative forms, the verb must be conjugated correctly for the person you are addressing. For example:

• Tú (informal singular): Apúrate (Hurry up)
• Usted (formal singular): Apúrese (Hurry up)
• Vosotros (informal plural in Spain): Apuráos (Hurry up)
• Ustedes (formal plural): Apúrense (Hurry up)

Similarly, the reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject:

• Yo: Me apuro (I hurry)
• Tú: Te apuras (You hurry)
• Él/Ella/Usted: Se apura (He/She/You hurry)
• Nosotros: Nos apuramos (We hurry)
• Vosotros: Os apuráis (You hurry – Spain)
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes: Se apuran (They/You hurry)

Pronoun Placement

In imperative sentences, reflexive pronouns are attached to the end of the verb. However, in negative imperative sentences, the pronoun comes before the verb:

• Affirmative: Apúrate (Hurry up)
• Negative: No te apures (Don’t hurry)

Formal vs. Informal Usage

As mentioned earlier, the choice between formal and informal expressions depends on the context and your relationship with the person you are addressing. Using an informal expression in a formal setting can be disrespectful, while using a formal expression in a casual conversation can sound overly stiff.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes that language learners make when using “hurry up” expressions in Spanish:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Date prisa a el tienda.	Date prisa a la tienda.	Using the correct article la instead of el since tienda is feminine.
Apúrate en llegar tarde.	Apúrate para no llegar tarde.	Using the correct preposition para (in order to) instead of en.
Más rápido por favor, Señor.	Más rápido, por favor, Señor.	The comma is necessary to seperate the phrase por favor.
Vamos a la casa rápido.	Vamos a la casa, rápido.	The comma is necessary to seperate the phrase rápido.
Ándale a el trabajo.	Ándale al trabajo.	Contraction of a + el to al is required.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate “hurry up” expression in Spanish.

Exercise 1: Choose the correct expression.

Question	Answer
1. _______, llegaremos tarde a la escuela. (Hurry up, we’ll be late for school.)	Date prisa
2. _______, el tren está a punto de salir. (Hurry up, the train is about to leave.)	Apúrate
3. _______, por favor, necesito tu ayuda. (Hurry, please, I need your help.)	Dése prisa
4. _______, niños, la cena está lista. (Hurry up, kids, dinner is ready.)	Vamos
5. _______, no tenemos tiempo que perder. (Hurry, we have no time to lose.)	Rápido
6. _______, o perderemos el autobús. (Hurry up, or we’ll miss the bus.)	Apúrate
7. _______, el concierto va a empezar. (Hurry up, the concert is about to start.)	Date prisa
8. _______, el jefe nos está esperando. (Hurry up, the boss is waiting for us.)	Apúrense
9. _______, la película ya empezó. (Hurry up, the movie has already started.)	Vamos
10. _______, necesitamos terminar este proyecto hoy. (Hurry up, we need to finish this project today.)	Apúrate

Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences into Spanish using “hurry up” expressions.

Question	Answer
1. Hurry up, we have to go!	Date prisa, tenemos que irnos!
2. Hurry up, the store is closing!	Apúrate, la tienda está cerrando!
3. Please hurry, I’m waiting for you.	Por favor, dese prisa, lo estoy esperando.
4. Let’s go, we’re going to be late.	Vamos, vamos a llegar tarde.
5. Quick, there’s no time!	Rápido, no hay tiempo!
6. Come on, we have to finish this.	Ándale, tenemos que terminar esto.
7. Hurry up, or we’ll miss the flight.	Apúrate, o perderemos el vuelo.
8. Hurry up, the show is starting.	Date prisa, el espectáculo está empezando.
9. Hurry up, everyone is waiting.	Apúrense, todos están esperando.
10. Let’s go, let’s get this done.	Vamos, vamos a hacer esto.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, let’s explore some more complex aspects of using “hurry up” expressions in Spanish.

Idiomatic Expressions

Spanish has many idiomatic expressions that convey the idea of hurrying or speeding up. These expressions often have cultural significance and can add color to your language.

• Ponte las pilas: Literally “put in the batteries,” this means to get moving or get energized.
• Acelera el paso: “Accelerate the pace,” this means to speed up.
• Vuela: “Fly,” this is used to tell someone to hurry or move quickly.

Cultural Nuances

The way you express the need to hurry can be influenced by cultural norms. In some cultures, directness is valued, while in others, indirectness and politeness are preferred.

Being aware of these nuances can help you communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

For example, in some Latin American countries, it’s common to use more indirect expressions to avoid sounding rude or demanding. In Spain, directness is often more accepted, but it’s still important to be mindful of the context and your relationship with the person you are addressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about saying “hurry up” in Spanish:

1. What is the most common way to say “hurry up” in Spanish?

   Date prisa and apúrate are two of the most common and widely used expressions. They are generally appropriate for informal settings.

2. How do I say “hurry up” in a formal situation?

   Use phrases like Por favor, dese prisa or Le agradecería que se diera prisa. These are more polite and respectful.

3. Is there a regional difference in how people say “hurry up”?

   Yes, there are regional variations. For example, in Mexico, Ándale and Órale are common expressions.

4. What’s the difference between date prisa and apúrate?

   Both phrases mean “hurry up” and are largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

5. How do I use “vamos” to mean “hurry up”?

   Vamos means “let’s go,” but it implies a need for haste. You can use it to encourage someone to move quickly, for example, Vamos, llegaremos tarde (Let’s go, we’ll be late).

6. How can I make the expression more emphatic?

   You can add adverbs like rápido (quickly) or use exclamatory forms like ¡Que te apures! (Hurry up!).

7. How do I say “don’t hurry” in Spanish?

   Use the negative imperative form: No te apures or No te des prisa.

8. Are there any idiomatic expressions for “hurry up” in Spanish?

   Yes, expressions like Ponte las pilas (get your act together) and Acelera el paso (accelerate the pace) are common.

Conclusion

Learning how to say “hurry up” in Spanish involves understanding a variety of expressions, each with its own nuances and contexts. From the common date prisa and apúrate to the more formal por favor, dese prisa, and the regional ándale, you now have a range of options to convey the urgency you intend. Mastering these phrases will not only enhance your fluency but also enable you to communicate more effectively in diverse situations.

Remember to consider the formality of the setting and your relationship with the