Meaning
Used to tell someone to be quicker.
Cultural Background
Americans value efficiency and often use this phrase to keep social plans on track. In the UK, people might use 'Get a move on' more frequently than 'Hurry up' to sound slightly less aggressive. Direct commands are avoided. Instead of 'Hurry up', people might say 'Please be quick' (Hayaku onegaishimasu).
Tone matters
Always soften your tone with a smile if you are using this with a friend.
Avoid with strangers
It can be seen as aggressive if you don't know the person well.
Meaning
Used to tell someone to be quicker.
Tone matters
Always soften your tone with a smile if you are using this with a friend.
Avoid with strangers
It can be seen as aggressive if you don't know the person well.
Use 'Please'
Adding 'please' makes it sound much less like a command.
Test Yourself
Which is the most natural way to tell a friend to move faster?
___, we are going to be late!
Hurry up is the standard phrasal verb for increasing speed.
Complete the sentence.
If you don't ___ up, we will miss the train.
The phrase is 'hurry up'.
When should you NOT use 'Hurry up!'?
Which situation is inappropriate?
It is too informal and demanding for a workplace superior.
Choose the best response.
Person A: 'We are late!' Person B: '___'
Use the present continuous to describe the action you are currently taking.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises___, we are going to be late!
Hurry up is the standard phrasal verb for increasing speed.
If you don't ___ up, we will miss the train.
The phrase is 'hurry up'.
Which situation is inappropriate?
It is too informal and demanding for a workplace superior.
Person A: 'We are late!' Person B: '___'
Use the present continuous to describe the action you are currently taking.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it is too informal. Use 'Please expedite' or 'Could you please prioritize this?'
Yes, it is an intransitive phrasal verb.
It adds a sense of completion to the action.
No, that is incorrect. You can say 'Hurry me up' if you want someone to make you go faster.
It depends on the relationship. With friends, it is fine. With strangers, it is risky.
Slow down.
Related Phrases
Step on it
similarDrive faster
Get a move on
similarStart moving
Make it quick
similarDo it fast
Shake a leg
similarHurry up
