Signification
To need to do something quickly.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, despite the stereotype of 'siesta', people in cities like Madrid use 'tener prisa' constantly. However, being 5-10 minutes late is often socially acceptable, so 'tener prisa' is sometimes used as an apology for being only slightly late. In Mexico, you might hear 'ahorita' used when someone has 'prisa'. Ironically, 'ahorita' can mean anything from 'right now' to 'never', so 'tengo prisa' is used to clarify that you really do mean 'right now'. Argentines often use 'estar apurado' interchangeably with 'tener prisa'. In the fast-paced life of Buenos Aires, 'tener prisa' is a common justification for the 'porteño' (local) tendency to walk and talk quickly.
The 'Tener' Rule
Remember that Spanish uses 'Tener' for many internal states like hunger (tener hambre), thirst (tener sed), and age (tener años). Add 'prisa' to that list!
Avoid 'Muy'
Never say 'muy prisa'. It sounds like saying 'very hunger' in English. Use 'mucha'.
Signification
To need to do something quickly.
The 'Tener' Rule
Remember that Spanish uses 'Tener' for many internal states like hunger (tener hambre), thirst (tener sed), and age (tener años). Add 'prisa' to that list!
Avoid 'Muy'
Never say 'muy prisa'. It sounds like saying 'very hunger' in English. Use 'mucha'.
The 'Por' Connection
Always use 'por' to connect 'tener prisa' to an action: 'Tengo prisa por [ver/ir/hacer]'.
Teste-toi
Conjugate the verb 'tener' correctly.
Yo no puedo esperar, ______ prisa.
The subject is 'Yo', so the verb 'tener' becomes 'tengo'.
Choose the most natural way to say 'I'm in a big hurry'.
Choose one:
We use 'tener' with the adjective 'mucha' because 'prisa' is a feminine noun.
Match the Spanish phrase to its English equivalent.
Match them:
These are the three basic forms of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: ¿Quieres un café? Luis: No, gracias. ______ prisa por llegar al trabajo.
Luis is explaining his state of urgency using 'tener'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Tener Prisa vs. Darse Prisa
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYo no puedo esperar, ______ prisa.
The subject is 'Yo', so the verb 'tener' becomes 'tengo'.
Choose one:
We use 'tener' with the adjective 'mucha' because 'prisa' is a feminine noun.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the three basic forms of the idiom.
Ana: ¿Quieres un café? Luis: No, gracias. ______ prisa por llegar al trabajo.
Luis is explaining his state of urgency using 'tener'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsYes, it is grammatically correct and used in some regions, but 'Tener prisa' is the most universal and common form.
It is feminine (la prisa), which is why we use 'mucha' instead of 'mucho'.
Use the command '¡Date prisa!' (informal) or '¡Dese prisa!' (formal).
'Prisa' is the feeling of urgency; 'rapidez' is the physical speed or velocity.
Yes! 'Tenía prisa' (I was in a hurry) is very common for giving excuses.
Not if said with a polite tone and an apology like 'Lo siento'. It's a standard social excuse.
Expressions liées
Darse prisa
similarTo hurry up
Estar apurado
synonymTo be in a rush
Correr
builds onTo run
Sin prisa pero sin pausa
contrastSlowly but surely
