Meaning
Indicates urgency, meaning at the earliest possible moment.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'cuanto antes' is often used interchangeably with 'lo antes posible', but 'lo antes posible' is slightly more common in written business communication. In Mexico, you might hear 'lo más pronto posible' more frequently in casual conversation, while 'lo antes posible' remains the standard for formal requests. Argentines often use 'lo antes posible' with a strong emphasis on the 'lo', sometimes followed by 'que puedas' to soften the request. In countries like Cuba or the Dominican Republic, the phrase is used, but the cultural concept of 'urgency' might be more relaxed than in the Southern Cone or Spain.
Email Etiquette
In emails, use 'lo antes posible' to sound professional. If you want to sound even more polite, add 'si es posible' (if possible) at the end.
Don't overdo it
Using this phrase too much with friends can make you seem demanding. Use 'cuando puedas' for low-stakes favors.
Meaning
Indicates urgency, meaning at the earliest possible moment.
Email Etiquette
In emails, use 'lo antes posible' to sound professional. If you want to sound even more polite, add 'si es posible' (if possible) at the end.
Don't overdo it
Using this phrase too much with friends can make you seem demanding. Use 'cuando puedas' for low-stakes favors.
The 'Lo' Rule
Whenever you see 'lo' + [adverb] + 'posible', it means 'as [adverb] as possible'. You can also say 'lo más rápido posible' (as fast as possible).
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct article.
Por favor, envíame el paquete ___ antes posible.
The neuter article 'lo' is always used in this expression.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'Call me ASAP'?
Select the best option:
'Lo antes posible' is the standard fixed expression.
Complete the dialogue.
Jefe: ¿Cuándo terminarás el proyecto? Empleado: ________.
This is the most professional and common response to a deadline query.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a pharmacy and need medicine for an emergency.
Urgency requires the use of 'lo antes posible'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPor favor, envíame el paquete ___ antes posible.
The neuter article 'lo' is always used in this expression.
Select the best option:
'Lo antes posible' is the standard fixed expression.
Jefe: ¿Cuándo terminarás el proyecto? Empleado: ________.
This is the most professional and common response to a deadline query.
You are at a pharmacy and need medicine for an emergency.
Urgency requires the use of 'lo antes posible'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend.
No, that is a common mistake. You must use the neuter 'lo'.
They mean the same thing. 'Cuanto antes' is slightly more common in Spain.
Spanish speakers don't have a universal acronym like ASAP, but some might use 'LAP' in very specific contexts, though it's rare. Most just type it out or use 'ya'.
No, the phrase is invariable. It never changes to 'la antes posible'.
Related Phrases
cuanto antes
synonymas soon as possible
lo más pronto posible
similaras soon as possible
a la mayor brevedad
specialized formwith the greatest brevity
en un abrir y cerrar de ojos
similarin the blink of an eye
