Mastering 'Hurry Up' In Spanish: Essential Phrases For Every Situation

Myles King 22 Aug 2025

Ever found yourself needing to tell someone to speed things up in Spanish? Maybe you're running late for a meet-up, or perhaps you're just eager to get started on something fun. It's a pretty common thought, isn't it? Knowing how to say "hurry up" in Spanish is, in a way, more than just translating a simple phrase; it's about picking up on the right tone and context. You see, there are a few different ways to express this idea, and choosing the right one can really make a difference in how you come across.

Whether you're chatting casually with some friends or, say, in a more formal setting, there are specific phrases that work best. It's not always a one-size-fits-all kind of deal, which is, you know, rather interesting when you think about it. We'll walk you through both the informal and formal ways to get your point across, making sure you sound natural and polite, or even, perhaps, a bit more direct if that's what the moment calls for. Learning these distinctions can really help you connect better with Spanish speakers.

From the quick and simple to the more detailed expressions, we'll explore the options. You might be surprised by just how many ways there are to say "hurry up" in Spanish, and how each one carries its own subtle feeling. So, if you're looking to add some practical, everyday Spanish to your conversational toolkit, you've definitely come to a good spot. Let's, sort of, get into it and make sure you're ready for any situation.

Why Learn "Hurry Up" in Spanish?
The Core Phrases: Apresúrate and Date Prisa
Adding Politeness: "Hurry Up, Please"
- Date Prisa, Por Favor: The Polite Approach
- Apresúrate, Por Favor: A Respectful Urge
More Ways to Express Urgency
Expressing Personal Urgency: "I Need to Hurry Up"
- Necesito Apurarme: I Need to Hurry Myself
- Tengo Que Darme Prisa: I Have to Give Myself Haste
Asking Others to Hurry: "Can You Hurry Up?"
- ¿Puedes Apurarte?: Can You Hurry Yourself?
- ¿Puedes Darte Prisa?: Can You Give Yourself Haste?
More Intense Urgency: Stronger Expressions
- ¡Apúrate, Carajo! and ¡Date Prisa, Joder!: Very Informal
Situational Examples and Pronunciation Tips
Frequently Asked Questions About "Hurry Up" in Spanish

Why Learn "Hurry Up" in Spanish?

Knowing how to ask someone to hurry up, or even to express your own need for speed, is, you know, a pretty useful bit of language to have. Imagine you're trying to catch a bus, or maybe you're just waiting for a friend who's taking their sweet time. These moments come up rather often in daily life, so it's a practical skill. Learning such phrases helps you participate more fully in conversations, and, in some respects, it helps you manage your time when you're speaking Spanish. It's not just about direct translation; it's about communicating a feeling of urgency, which is actually quite important for everyday interactions.

This kind of phrase also lets you connect with people on a more personal level. When you can express common human experiences, like impatience or the need to move quickly, it shows a deeper understanding of the language and culture. So, it's not just about getting somewhere faster; it's about truly engaging. Plus, it just feels good to be able to say what you mean, doesn't it?

In our increasingly connected world, knowing these sorts of practical phrases makes a big difference. It helps you navigate different situations, whether you're traveling, working, or just making new friends. You might find yourself using these words more often than you think, and that's, you know, a really good thing for your language progress. It's about being ready for life as it happens.

The Core Phrases: Apresúrate and Date Prisa

When you want to tell someone to hurry up in Spanish, two phrases often come to mind first: "apresúrate" and "date prisa." These are, in a way, your go-to options, and they're quite common across many Spanish-speaking regions. While they both mean the same thing, they carry slightly different feelings, which is interesting to consider. It's almost like choosing between "hurry yourself" and "make haste" in English; both work, but they have a slightly different ring to them, you know?

Apresúrate: A Direct Call to Action

The word "apresúrate" feels, in some respects, more direct. It translates quite literally to "hurry yourself up" or "hasten yourself." It's a command, asking the person to take action to speed up their own pace. This phrase is, you know, usually used in informal settings, like with friends or family. It's pretty straightforward and gets the point across without much fuss. For example, if your friend is moving slowly, you might just say, "¡Apresúrate!"

It's important to remember that this word comes from the verb "apresurarse," which means "to hurry" or "to rush." So, when you say "apresúrate," you're telling someone to do that action to themselves. This makes it a very personal kind of urgency. It's a bit like saying, "Come on, get a move on yourself!" which, you know, can be very effective.

You'll hear this one quite a bit, especially when people are trying to keep things moving. It's not overly harsh, but it definitely communicates a need for speed. So, if you're in a situation where you need a direct, yet still friendly, push, this word is a pretty good choice. It's, arguably, one of the more common ways to say it.

Date Prisa: The Common and Versatile Option

"Date prisa" is another very common way to say "hurry up" in Spanish, and it's, in a way, quite versatile. This phrase literally means "give yourself haste" or "give yourself speed." It's widely understood and used in both casual and, sometimes, slightly more formal contexts, depending on how you say it. You could say, for example, "¡Date prisa, que llegamos tarde!" which means, "Hurry up, we're going to be late!"

This expression is often seen as a little softer than "apresúrate" by some speakers, though both are perfectly acceptable. It's more of an encouragement to pick up the pace, rather than a direct command to hurry oneself. So, it's, you know, a good all-rounder. You'll find it useful in many different everyday situations, from getting ready in the morning to trying to finish a task.

Many people find this phrase very natural to use, and it's a solid choice for most situations where you need to express urgency. It's pretty much universally understood, so you can feel confident using it. It's, arguably, one of the most practical phrases you'll learn for this purpose, and it comes up a lot in actual conversations.

Contextual Differences and When to Use Them

While "apresúrate" and "date prisa" can often be used interchangeably, there are, you know, slight differences in their feeling. "Apresúrate" tends to be a bit more direct and personal, focusing on the individual's action to hurry. It's like saying, "Get moving!" or "Hurry yourself!" This makes it feel a little more forceful, perhaps, in some situations. It's, actually, quite a strong nudge.

"Date prisa," on the other hand, is often perceived as a touch more general or even a bit gentler, though it still conveys urgency. It's more like saying, "Make haste" or "Pick up the pace." This phrase is, you know, very common and generally safe to use in a wider range of informal situations. It's a bit less about a direct command and more about a general encouragement to speed up.

The choice between them often depends on your relationship with the person and the specific situation. With close friends or family, either works, but "apresúrate" might feel a little more emphatic. In slightly less familiar but still informal settings, "date prisa" might be, arguably, a safer bet for a generally polite tone. It's all about, you know, finding the right fit for the moment. Just a little bit of practice will make it clear.

Adding Politeness: "Hurry Up, Please"

Sometimes, you need someone to hurry, but you also want to be polite about it. Adding "por favor" (please) is, you know, the simple and effective way to soften the command. This makes a big difference in how your request is received, turning a direct order into a respectful plea. It's a small addition that carries a lot of weight in Spanish communication, as it does in many languages, actually.

Date Prisa, Por Favor: The Polite Approach

When you combine "date prisa" with "por favor," you get "¡Date prisa, por favor!" This is, arguably, one of the most common and polite ways to ask someone to hurry. It's suitable for nearly any informal situation where you need to express urgency but also want to maintain a respectful tone. You might use this with a colleague, a new acquaintance, or even a friend if the situation calls for a bit more politeness. It's, you know, a very good phrase to have ready.

This phrase communicates that while you need them to speed up, you're also acknowledging their time and effort. It's a gentle nudge rather than a sharp push. For instance, if you're waiting for someone to finish getting ready, you could say, "¡Date prisa, por favor, el taxi está esperando!" (Hurry up, please, the taxi is waiting!). It's, basically, a very friendly way to get things moving.

This combination is, you know, widely accepted and understood as a polite request. It helps ensure that your message is received well, without causing any offense. So, if you're ever in doubt about how to phrase your request, this is a pretty safe and effective option to pick.

Apresúrate, Por Favor: A Respectful Urge

Similarly, adding "por favor" to "apresúrate" creates "¡Apresúrate, por favor!" This phrase also softens the directness of "apresúrate," making it a polite request. While "apresúrate" on its own can feel quite direct, the addition of "por favor" transforms it into a more courteous expression. It's, in a way, still a strong suggestion to hurry, but it's wrapped in politeness, which is good.

This version is, you know, still quite common in informal settings, especially when you have a close relationship with the person but still want to be polite. It's a bit like saying, "Please, hurry yourself along." You might use it if you're in a bit of a rush but don't want to sound too demanding. For example, "¡Apresúrate, por favor, no quiero llegar tarde!" (Hurry up, please, I don't want to be late!).

Both "date prisa, por favor" and "apresúrate, por favor" are excellent options for polite urgency. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or regional usage, but both are, you know, very effective. It's about finding the phrase that feels most comfortable for you to use and that fits the situation best. They are, actually, both great for showing respect.

More Ways to Express Urgency

Beyond the core phrases, Spanish offers a rich variety of ways to tell someone to hurry up, each with its own flavor and common usage. It's, you know, really fascinating how many different words and expressions can convey a similar idea, but with slightly different nuances. These options allow you to be more specific or to match the tone of your conversation more closely, which is, actually, pretty useful.

¡Vamos!: Let's Go!

The word "¡Vamos!" is a simple, yet incredibly versatile, expression that often implies "let's go" or "come on." While not a direct translation of "hurry up," it certainly conveys urgency, especially when you're trying to get people moving. It's, you know, used very frequently in everyday situations. If you're ready to leave and others are lagging, a cheerful "¡Vamos!" can do the trick.

This phrase is, arguably, one of the easiest to learn and use, and it's understood everywhere. It's also great because it's less direct than a command to "hurry," making it a very friendly way to encourage action. You might hear it at a sporting event to cheer on a team, or, you know, when a group is trying to decide what to do next. It's a general call to action, which is, basically, what you need sometimes.

So, if you want a light and encouraging way to suggest picking up the pace, "¡Vamos!" is a pretty excellent choice. It's short, punchy, and, you know, gets the message across effectively without being too pushy. It's a staple in Spanish conversation, really.

¡Rápido!: Quickly!

"¡Rápido!" means "quickly!" and it's another straightforward way to express urgency. While it's an adverb, using it as an exclamation is, you know, very common to tell someone to speed up. It's direct, to the point, and doesn't carry many hidden nuances. If you need something done in a hurry, a simple "¡Rápido!" can be quite effective.

This word is often used in situations where speed is the primary concern, such as in a game, or when you're trying to catch something. It's less about urging someone to personally hurry themselves and more about the action itself needing to be fast. So, it's, you know, a very practical word for many situations where quickness is key. You might hear it in a kitchen, for example, if someone needs an ingredient right away.

It's a strong word, and it definitely conveys a sense of immediate need. So, if you're looking for a quick and clear way to say "do it fast," "¡Rápido!" is, basically, your word. It's, you know, a very common sight and sound in Spanish-speaking places.

¡Ándale!: Come On (in Mexico)

In Mexico and some other parts of Latin America, "¡Ándale!" is a very popular and informal way to say "hurry up" or "come on." It's, you know, a lively expression that can also mean "that's right" or "go for it," depending on the context. But when used to urge someone, it definitely means to speed things up. It's, actually, a very characteristic phrase of the region.

This word carries a friendly, encouraging tone, even when expressing urgency. It's often used among friends and family, and it feels quite natural in casual conversation. If you're in Mexico, for example, and your friend is taking too long to get ready, you might playfully say, "¡Ándale, ándale!" It's, basically, a very common way to express impatience in a lighthearted manner.

So, if you're looking for a regional flavor for your "hurry up," and you're speaking in a Mexican context, "¡Ándale!" is, you know, a pretty good option. It adds a bit of local charm to your Spanish, which is, arguably, always a nice touch.

¡Muévete!: Move It!

"¡Muévete!" means "move it!" or "get moving!" It's a direct command from the verb "moverse" (to move) and is, you know, quite forceful. This phrase is typically used in informal settings and can sometimes sound a bit impatient or even a little rude if not used carefully. It's, basically, for when you really need someone to physically change their position or speed up their actions.

You might use this if someone is blocking your way, or if you need a group of people to physically shift quickly. It's less about mental speed and more about physical action. For instance, if you're playing a game and someone is standing still, you could shout, "¡Muévete!" It's, you know, a very clear and unmistakable command.

So, while effective, use "¡Muévete!" with caution, especially if you're unsure of your relationship with the person or the context. It's, actually, a very strong phrase, so it's best saved for situations where you really need to be direct and don't mind sounding a little firm.

¡Corre!: Run!

When the situation truly calls for it, "¡Corre!" which means "Run!" is, you know, the ultimate way to express extreme urgency. This is not just about hurrying; it's about moving at top speed. It comes from the verb "correr" (to run) and is a direct command. You'd use this in emergencies or when there's a real need for someone to physically run. It's, basically, a very intense way to say hurry up.

Think of situations like needing to catch a train that's about to leave, or if there's a sudden, urgent event. A simple "¡Corre!" would be appropriate then. It's, you know, not a phrase you'd use for someone taking too long to tie their shoes. It's reserved for moments of genuine, high-stakes urgency, which is important to remember.

So, while it's a valid way to express extreme speed, make sure the situation warrants it. It's, actually, a very powerful word, and using it lightly might confuse or alarm people. It's definitely for those "move it or lose it" moments.

¡Deprisa!: Another Quick Option

"¡Deprisa!" is an adverb that means "quickly" or "fast," and it's often used as an exclamation to urge someone to hurry. It's quite similar to "¡Rápido!" but can sometimes feel a little more emphatic. It's, you know, a very clear and concise way to communicate the need for speed. You might hear it in various contexts where quick action is needed, which is pretty common.

This word is, arguably, a good alternative when you want to vary your language or if it's more commonly used in a particular region you're in. It's generally informal and gets the message across without much ambiguity. For example, "¡Deprisa, que se nos hace tarde!" (Quickly, we're getting late!). It's, basically, a very effective way to express urgency.

So, if you're looking for another strong, direct way to say "quickly," "¡Deprisa!" is a solid choice. It's, you know, a good word to have in your vocabulary for those moments when time is of the essence. It's, actually, quite a common expression.

¡Agiliza!: Speed Up or Make Agile

"¡Agiliza!" comes from the verb "agilizar," meaning "to speed up" or "to make agile." This command is, you know, a bit more formal or perhaps used in a professional context, though it can still appear informally. It suggests not just hurrying, but also doing so efficiently and with agility. It's a bit more nuanced than a simple "hurry," which is interesting.

You might hear this in a work setting, for example, if a manager wants a task completed quickly and smoothly. It's about optimizing the process as well as speeding it up. So, it's, you know, a good word for when you want to imply efficiency along with speed. It's, basically, a very specific kind of urgency.

While not as common for everyday "hurry up" situations as "date prisa

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