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B1 verb #3,200 most common 14 min read

apresurar

Top 3,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips apresurar in 30 Seconds

Explanation apresurar in your Level:

At the A1 level, the concept of 'apresurar' might be a bit advanced, as most beginners start with simpler terms like 'rápido' (fast) or 'correr' (to run). However, it is very useful to learn the reflexive form 'apresurarse' early on to express the idea of being in a hurry. At this level, you should focus on the most basic meaning: making something move faster. Imagine you are walking to school and you realize you are late; you might say 'Me apresuro' (I hurry). You might also hear a teacher say '¡Apresuraos!' to the class, which means 'Hurry up!'. The key for A1 learners is to recognize that this word is about time and speed. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that 'apresurar' is the verb for 'to hurry'. It's also helpful to notice the root of the word 'prisa' (haste/hurry), which you likely already know from the phrase 'Tengo prisa' (I'm in a hurry). By connecting 'apresurar' to 'prisa', it becomes much easier to remember. Practice using it in simple sentences about your daily routine, like 'Me apresuro para tomar el autobús' (I hurry to catch the bus). This simple usage helps you move beyond basic adjectives and start using more descriptive verbs in your Spanish conversations.

For A2 learners, 'apresurar' becomes a more functional part of your vocabulary as you start describing actions and sequences of events. At this level, you should begin to distinguish between 'apresurar' (to hurry something else) and 'apresurarse' (to hurry yourself). A common scenario for an A2 student would be explaining why they did something quickly. For example, 'Me apresuré a terminar mi tarea porque quería salir con mis amigos' (I hurried to finish my homework because I wanted to go out with my friends). Notice the use of 'a' after the verb—this is a very important pattern to learn at this stage. You can also start using the phrase 'apresurar el paso' when talking about walking. If you are describing a trip, you might say, 'Apresuramos el paso para llegar al museo antes de que cerrara' (We quickened our pace to get to the museum before it closed). You will also encounter 'apresurar' in simple commands and requests. If you are working on a group project, you might say to a classmate, '¿Puedes apresurar tu parte?' (Can you hurry your part?). This level is all about building confidence with the different forms of the verb and using them in predictable, everyday situations. It adds a level of sophistication to your Spanish that simple words like 'rápido' cannot provide.

At the B1 level, which is the target level for this word, you are expected to understand the nuances of 'apresurar' in more varied contexts. You should be comfortable using it transitively, intransitively, and reflexively. At this stage, you start to see 'apresurar' used for abstract concepts, not just physical movement. For example, you might talk about 'apresurar un proceso' (to speed up a process) or 'apresurar una decisión' (to rush a decision). This is also the level where you learn that 'apresurar' can have a slightly negative connotation, implying that someone is acting too quickly without thinking. You might hear advice like 'No te apresures a sacar conclusiones' (Don't rush to draw conclusions). B1 learners should also be able to recognize 'apresurar' in more formal texts, such as news articles or literature. You will notice it often appears in descriptions of urgency, like 'El gobierno decidió apresurar las reformas económicas' (The government decided to hasten the economic reforms). You should also be able to use it in the past tenses (Preterite and Imperfect) to describe completed or ongoing actions in the past. For instance, 'Se apresuraron a ayudar cuando vieron el accidente' (They hurried to help when they saw the accident). Mastering 'apresurar' at the B1 level means you can accurately convey the tempo and urgency of various situations in both personal and professional contexts.

At the B2 level, 'apresurar' should be a natural part of your expressive toolkit. You are now exploring the more subtle differences between 'apresurar' and its synonyms like 'acelerar', 'aligerar', or 'precipitar'. A B2 student understands that 'apresurar' often involves a human element of pressure or necessity. You might use it in complex sentences involving the subjunctive, such as 'Es necesario que apresuremos los trámites para que el contrato esté listo mañana' (It is necessary that we speed up the procedures so the contract is ready tomorrow). You will also encounter it in more sophisticated literary contexts where it might be used to describe the passage of time or the onset of seasons. At this level, you should also be aware of how 'apresurar' is used in different regions of the Spanish-speaking world, noting that while the meaning remains the same, the frequency of its use compared to 'darse prisa' can vary. You can use 'apresurar' to add emphasis and precision to your arguments in debates or presentations. For example, 'No debemos apresurar la transición energética sin un plan sólido' (We must not rush the energy transition without a solid plan). Your ability to use the word appropriately in both formal and informal registers, and to understand its emotional weight, marks your progress as an upper-intermediate learner.

For C1 learners, 'apresurar' is used with a high degree of precision and stylistic awareness. You are likely to encounter it in academic writing, high-level journalism, and complex literature. At this level, you understand how 'apresurar' can be used to create specific rhetorical effects. For instance, in a historical analysis, you might read about how 'ciertos eventos apresuraron la caída del imperio' (certain events hastened the fall of the empire). You are also capable of using the word in idiomatic and metaphorical ways that go beyond its literal meaning. A C1 speaker might say, 'No apresures los tiempos de la vida' (Don't rush the stages of life), using the verb in a philosophical sense. You are also sensitive to the subtle difference in tone between 'apresurarse a decir algo' (to be quick to say something) and 'decirlo rápido' (to say it fast). The former suggests a certain eagerness or even a defensive posture. In your own writing, you use 'apresurar' to vary your vocabulary and avoid repetition of more common verbs. You can also handle complex grammatical structures involving 'apresurar', such as its use in the passive voice or in long, multi-clause sentences. At the C1 level, 'apresurar' is not just a word for speed; it's a tool for expressing urgency, pressure, and the delicate management of time in sophisticated communication.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'apresurar' and all its possible applications. You can use it in highly specialized fields, from legal documents to poetic verse, with total accuracy and appropriate register. You understand the etymological depth of the word and how it relates to other terms in the 'prisa' family. A C2 learner might appreciate the use of 'apresurar' in a classic novel to describe the 'apresuramiento' (hurriedness) of a crowd, noting the atmospheric effect it creates. You can also play with the word's meaning in creative writing, perhaps using it in a personified way to describe nature or inanimate objects. In a professional context, you might use 'apresurar' in high-stakes negotiations to signal urgency without sounding desperate. Your understanding of the word is so complete that you can even identify when it is being used ironically or with double meaning. You are also aware of very rare or archaic uses of the word that might appear in historical texts. For a C2 speaker, 'apresurar' is a versatile and nuanced verb that you can deploy with elegance and precision in any situation, reflecting a deep and comprehensive mastery of the Spanish language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

apresurar in 30 Seconds

Apresurar is a B1-level Spanish verb meaning 'to hasten' or 'to hurry'. It can be used transitively to speed up a process or reflexively to hurry oneself.
Commonly used in formal and literary contexts, it is more sophisticated than 'darse prisa'. It often appears in news about government actions or urgent events.
The pronominal form 'apresurarse a' is a key structure for describing immediate actions. 'Apresurar el paso' is a fixed phrase for walking faster.
Avoid confusing it with 'acelerar' (mechanical speed) or forgetting the reflexive pronoun when you are the one hurrying. It implies urgency and pressure.

The Spanish verb apresurar is a sophisticated and versatile term primarily used to describe the act of accelerating a process, speeding up an action, or making something happen sooner than it otherwise would. At its core, it stems from the noun 'presura', which carries connotations of haste, pressure, and urgency. In English, it is most frequently translated as 'to hasten', 'to hurry up', 'to rush', or 'to quicken'. Understanding the nuance of this word requires looking at its two main forms: the transitive 'apresurar' (to hasten something else) and the pronominal 'apresurarse' (to hurry oneself).

Transitive Usage: When used transitively, 'apresurar' implies that an external force or person is causing a process or another person to move faster. For instance, a manager might 'apresurar el proyecto' (hasten the project) to meet a deadline. In this context, the focus is on the object being accelerated.

El mal tiempo obligó a los agricultores a apresurar la cosecha antes de que las lluvias destruyeran el cultivo.

In daily life, you will encounter 'apresurar' in many idiomatic and semi-fixed expressions. One of the most common is 'apresurar el paso', which literally means to quicken one's step. This is used when someone realizes they are late or simply wants to reach a destination faster. Unlike 'correr' (to run), 'apresurar el paso' suggests a purposeful increase in walking speed without necessarily breaking into a jog. It reflects a psychological state of urgency translated into physical movement.

Reflexive/Pronominal Form: The pronominal form 'apresurarse' is arguably more common in spoken Spanish when referring to oneself. If you say 'Me apresuro', you are saying 'I am hurrying'. It is frequently followed by the preposition 'a' and an infinitive verb, such as 'se apresuró a contestar' (he hurried to answer).

No te apresures a juzgar a los demás sin conocer toda la historia.

Contextually, 'apresurar' is often linked to the concept of time management and efficiency. In a business context, one might 'apresurar los trámites' (speed up the paperwork). In a romantic or social context, 'apresurar las cosas' (to rush things) often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that someone is moving too quickly in a relationship or decision-making process. This negative nuance is important; while 'apresurar' can be efficient, it can also imply a lack of care or attention to detail due to speed.

Emotional Nuance: The word often carries an underlying sense of anxiety or pressure. When a doctor says they need to 'apresurar el tratamiento', there is a gravity to the situation that 'hacerlo rápido' (do it fast) doesn't quite capture. It implies that the speed is a necessary response to a critical situation.

La noticia del accidente apresuró su regreso a casa.

Finally, 'apresurar' is a key verb for B1 learners because it bridges the gap between basic verbs of movement (like 'ir' or 'venir') and more abstract concepts of temporal management. It allows the speaker to describe not just *what* is happening, but the *tempo* at which it is occurring. Whether you are hurrying to catch a train or a government is rushing a law through parliament, 'apresurar' is the precise tool for the job. It encapsulates the human struggle against the clock, making it an essential addition to any expanding Spanish vocabulary.

Es mejor no apresurar una decisión tan importante como comprar una casa.

Mastering 'apresurar' requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It functions primarily as a regular -ar verb, but its usage shifts significantly depending on whether it is used transitively, intransitively, or reflexively. In this section, we will explore the structural patterns that define its use in various contexts, from the physical act of walking faster to the abstract acceleration of global events.

The Transitive Pattern: Apresurar + [Object]: In this structure, 'apresurar' means to make the object happen faster. The object is usually a process, a task, or a physical movement. Example: 'Apresuraron la construcción del puente' (They hastened the construction of the bridge). Note that the subject is the cause, and the object is the thing being accelerated.

El director decidió apresurar la reunión para poder salir temprano.

When dealing with people, 'apresurar' can also mean to rush someone. While 'meter prisa a alguien' is a more common colloquialism, 'apresurar a alguien' is perfectly correct. For example, 'No me apresures, que estoy terminando' (Don't rush me, I'm finishing). This usage emphasizes the pressure being applied to the person to perform faster.

The Pronominal Pattern: Apresurarse + a + [Infinitive]: This is perhaps the most frequent construction for learners. It describes the subject hurrying to perform an action. The preposition 'a' is mandatory here. Example: 'Me apresuré a cerrar la ventana cuando empezó a llover' (I hurried to close the window when it started to rain). This pattern highlights the subject's agency and immediate reaction.

Los estudiantes se apresuraron a entregar sus exámenes antes de que sonara el timbre.

Another common structure involves 'apresurarse' followed by 'por'. This usually indicates the reason or the goal for the haste. 'Se apresuró por llegar a tiempo' (He hurried to arrive on time). However, 'a' is generally preferred when the following word is a verb. If you are hurrying because of something, you might use 'debido a' or 'por': 'Se apresuró por el miedo a la oscuridad' (He hurried because of his fear of the dark).

Fixed Expression: Apresurar el paso: This expression is used specifically for walking faster. It is rarely used reflexively. You wouldn't say 'Me apresuré el paso', but rather 'Apresuré el paso'. It's a transitive use where 'el paso' (the step/pace) is the object being quickened.

Al ver que el autobús se acercaba, María apresuró el paso para alcanzar la parada.

In more advanced usage, 'apresurar' can be used to describe the acceleration of time itself in a literary sense. 'Los días se apresuraban hacia el invierno' (The days hastened toward winter). Here, the verb personifies time, giving it a sense of inevitable and rapid progression. This demonstrates the verb's ability to move from literal physical speed to abstract temporal flow.

Negative Commands and Advice: When giving advice, the reflexive form is often used in the negative to suggest patience. 'No te apresures' (Don't rush / Don't hurry). This is a very common way to tell someone to take their time or think carefully before acting.

No hay necesidad de apresurar la conclusión del informe; la calidad es lo más importante.

By practicing these patterns—transitive for processes, pronominal for personal actions, and fixed phrases for movement—you will be able to use 'apresurar' with the same nuance as a native speaker. It is a word that conveys not just speed, but the intention and pressure behind that speed.

'Apresurar' is a staple of the Spanish language that spans across various registers, though its frequency and form change depending on the setting. While you might use 'darse prisa' when yelling at a friend to get in the car, 'apresurar' is what you will read in the morning newspaper or hear in a formal business presentation. Understanding where this word lives in the real world will help you recognize it and use it appropriately.

In News and Media: Journalists love 'apresurar' because it sounds professional and decisive. You will frequently see headlines like 'El gobierno busca apresurar la ley de vivienda' (The government seeks to hasten the housing law) or 'La crisis climática apresura el deshielo en los polos' (The climate crisis hastens the melting at the poles). In these contexts, it signifies a sense of urgency and large-scale impact.

Los analistas advierten que apresurar la subida de los tipos de interés podría dañar la economía.

In the world of sports, commentators use 'apresurar' to describe a player's performance. If a basketball player shoots too quickly because of defensive pressure, the commentator might say 'Se apresuró en el tiro' (He rushed the shot). This implies that the player didn't take the necessary time to aim correctly, leading to a mistake. Here, 'apresurarse' carries a slightly negative connotation of acting under pressure.

In Literature and Storytelling: Authors use 'apresurar' to set the pace of a narrative. A character might 'apresurar sus pasos por el callejón oscuro' (hasten their steps through the dark alley), creating a sense of suspense and fear. It is a much more evocative verb than simply saying they 'walked fast'. It suggests the character's internal state—their desire to leave a dangerous place quickly.

'No os apresuréis, que el camino es largo y el sol aún está alto', dijo el anciano.

In professional environments, 'apresurar' is used to talk about deadlines and project management. A supervisor might say, 'Necesitamos apresurar la entrega del informe trimestral' (We need to hasten the delivery of the quarterly report). Using 'apresurar' instead of 'hacer más rápido' sounds more professional and focuses on the timeline rather than just the speed of the workers.

In Medical and Scientific Contexts: In a hospital, 'apresurar' is used for urgent procedures. 'Hay que apresurar la cirugía' (The surgery must be hastened). In science, it describes catalysts: 'Esta enzima sirve para apresurar la reacción química' (This enzyme serves to hasten the chemical reaction). In these fields, the word is technical and precise.

La aplicación de calor puede apresurar el proceso de fermentación del pan.

Finally, in everyday social interactions, while 'darse prisa' is common, 'apresurar' is used for emphasis or in more polite requests. 'Por favor, no me apresures' is a standard way to ask for more time without being overly aggressive. It acknowledges the pressure while politely pushing back. Understanding these varied environments—from the urgent operating room to the suspenseful novel—shows just how essential 'apresurar' is for navigating the full spectrum of Spanish communication.

Me apresuro a decir que no tengo nada en contra de su propuesta, solo necesito más tiempo para estudiarla.

When learning 'apresurar', students often encounter several pitfalls that can make their Spanish sound unnatural or even lead to misunderstandings. Because it has both transitive and reflexive forms, and because it shares semantic space with other words like 'correr' or 'acelerar', it requires careful attention to detail. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun: This is the most frequent error. Learners often say 'Yo apresuro' when they mean 'I am hurrying'. However, 'apresurar' without a pronoun must have a direct object (something you are hurrying). If you are the one hurrying, you MUST use the reflexive 'apresurarse'. Correct: 'Me apresuro'. Incorrect: 'Apresuro' (unless you mean 'I hasten [something]').

Incorrecto: Siempre apresuro por la mañana.
Correcto: Siempre me apresuro por la mañana.

Another common mistake is using the wrong preposition after the verb. Many learners mistakenly use 'de' or 'por' when they should use 'a' before an infinitive. Remember the formula: 'apresurarse a + [infinitive]'. Using 'de' is a carry-over from verbs like 'tratar de', but it doesn't apply here. 'Se apresuró a salir' is the correct way to say 'He hurried to leave'.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Apresurar' with 'Acelerar': While they are synonyms, 'acelerar' is more mechanical and physical. You 'acelerar' a car or a chemical reaction. 'Apresurar' is more about the human element of haste and urgency. You wouldn't usually 'apresurar' a car unless you were talking about the manufacturing process. Use 'acelerar' for physical speed and 'apresurar' for the urgency of actions and events.

Incorrecto: Tienes que apresurar el coche si quieres ganar la carrera.
Correcto: Tienes que acelerar el coche si quieres ganar la carrera.

Learners also struggle with the distinction between 'apresurar' and 'correr'. 'Correr' is the physical act of running. 'Apresurarse' is the act of being in a hurry. You can 'apresurarte' while walking, driving, or even sitting at a desk typing. If you say 'Estoy corriendo' to mean 'I am in a hurry', it's understandable but less precise than 'Me estoy apresurando' or the more common 'Tengo prisa'.

Mistake 3: Overusing 'Apresurar' in Casual Speech: While not grammatically wrong, using 'apresurar' in very casual settings can sound a bit 'bookish' or overly formal. In the street or with friends, 'darse prisa' is the king of expressions. '¡Date prisa!' sounds more natural than '¡Apresúrate!' in a casual context, although both are correct. Use 'apresurar' when you want to sound more articulate or in formal writing.

Formal: Debemos apresurar el paso para no llegar tarde.
Informal: Vamos a darnos prisa para no llegar tarde.

Finally, watch out for the stress in conjugated forms. Because it is a four-syllable infinitive, the stress shifts. In the present tense, it's 'apresúro', 'apresúras', 'apresúra'. Learners sometimes misplace the stress on the 're' syllable, which sounds incorrect. Paying attention to these subtle points of grammar, vocabulary choice, and pronunciation will elevate your Spanish from basic to intermediate and beyond.

No hay que apresurar los procesos naturales; todo tiene su tiempo.

Spanish is rich with synonyms for haste and speed. While 'apresurar' is a fantastic all-rounder, knowing its alternatives will allow you to express the exact kind of 'hurry' you mean. Each of these words has a slightly different flavor and specific contexts where they shine. Let's compare 'apresurar' with its closest relatives.

Apresurar vs. Acelerar: 'Acelerar' is often used for physical speed and mechanical processes. You accelerate a car, a heart rate, or a particle in a collider. 'Apresurar' is more about human urgency and the timing of events. You 'apresurar' a meeting or a decision. Use 'acelerar' when the focus is on the rate of speed, and 'apresurar' when the focus is on the lack of time.

El piloto aceleró en la recta, mientras que el equipo tuvo que apresurar la parada en boxes.

'Darse prisa' is the most common idiomatic alternative. It is almost always reflexive. While 'apresurarse' and 'darse prisa' are often interchangeable, 'darse prisa' feels more colloquial and active. If you're running late for a movie, you'd say '¡Date prisa!'. If you're writing a formal essay about a character's actions, you'd write 'El protagonista se apresuró'.

Apresurar vs. Aligerar: 'Aligerar' literally means 'to lighten'. In the context of speed, it means to make something move faster by making it less heavy or cumbersome. 'Aligerar el paso' is a very common synonym for 'apresurar el paso'. It implies a certain grace or ease in the increased speed, whereas 'apresurar' can feel more stressed.

Para llegar antes del anochecer, decidieron aligerar el equipaje y apresurar la marcha.

'Urguir' (to urge) is often confused with 'apresurar'. 'Urguir' is usually intransitive and describes the state of the situation ('Me urge hablar contigo' - It is urgent that I speak with you). 'Apresurar' is the action you take because something 'urge'. They are two sides of the same coin: urgency (urgencia) and the act of hurrying (apresuramiento).

Apresurar vs. Estar de prisa: 'Estar de prisa' (or 'tener prisa') is a state of being. 'Apresurarse' is the action. If you *have* haste (tienes prisa), you *hurry* (te apresuras). It's a subtle difference but important for natural phrasing. You would say 'Tengo prisa, así que me voy a apresurar' (I'm in a hurry, so I'm going to hurry up).

No me apresures, aunque tengas prisa; quiero hacer esto bien.

Lastly, 'activar' can sometimes be a synonym in professional contexts, as in 'activar los trámites' (to activate/speed up the procedures). However, 'apresurar' remains the most direct way to describe the acceleration of time and human action. By choosing between these synonyms, you can tailor your Spanish to be as formal, physical, or urgent as the situation requires.

Es importante apresurar la ayuda humanitaria para las víctimas del terremoto.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'press' in English words like 'pressure' and 'express' is the same root found in 'apresurar'. It literally means to 'press' time.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /apɾesuˈɾaɾ/

US /apɾesuˈɾaɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable 'rar' because it ends in an 'r'.

Rhymes With

caminar llegar hablar estar lugar mirar pensar tomar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tap/trill.
Putting the stress on the 'su' syllable.
Failing to pronounce the initial 'a' clearly.
Merging the 'su' and 'rar' into one syllable.
Over-emphasizing the 'p' like an English aspirated 'p'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'prisa' and English 'pressure'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the reflexive pronoun and the correct preposition 'a'.

Speaking 3/5

Intermediate difficulty to use naturally instead of the more common 'darse prisa'.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced, though sometimes sounds fast in native speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

prisa rápido correr tiempo paso

Learn Next

agilizar precipitar aligerar demorar retrasar

Advanced

aceleración expedito perentorio urgencia premura

Grammar to Know

Pronominal Verbs

Apresurarse follows the rules of reflexive verbs where the pronoun matches the subject.

Prepositional Verbs

Apresurarse requires 'a' before an infinitive (se apresuró a salir).

Regular -ar Conjugation

Apresurar follows standard conjugation patterns for -ar verbs in all tenses.

Transitive vs. Intransitive

Apresurar (transitive) needs an object; apresurarse (reflexive) does not.

Imperative Mood

The reflexive imperative requires the pronoun attached to the end (Apresúrate).

Examples by Level

Yo me apresuro para ir a la escuela.

I hurry to go to school.

Uses the reflexive 'me apresuro' for the first person singular.

¡Apresúrate, por favor!

Hurry up, please!

Imperative form (command) for 'tú'.

Nosotros nos apresuramos mucho.

We hurry a lot.

Reflexive 'nos apresuramos' for 'nosotros'.

Ella se apresura a comer.

She hurries to eat.

Reflexive form followed by 'a' + infinitive.

¿Te apresuras para llegar?

Do you hurry to arrive?

Question form using the reflexive 'te apresuras'.

Ellos se apresuran por la mañana.

They hurry in the morning.

Reflexive 'se apresuran' for 'ellos'.

No me apresuro hoy.

I am not hurrying today.

Negative reflexive form.

Usted se apresura a la oficina.

You (formal) hurry to the office.

Formal 'usted' with reflexive 'se apresura'.

Me apresuré a terminar el trabajo antes de las cinco.

I hurried to finish the work before five o'clock.

Preterite tense of the reflexive 'apresurarse'.

Apresuramos el paso porque empezó a llover.

We quickened our pace because it started to rain.

Transitive use with 'el paso' as the object.

El camarero se apresuró a traer la cuenta.

The waiter hurried to bring the check.

Third person singular preterite reflexive.

No tienes que apresurarte, tenemos tiempo.

You don't have to hurry, we have time.

Infinitive reflexive attached to 'tienes que'.

Mis padres se apresuraron a saludarnos.

My parents hurried to greet us.

Preterite reflexive with 'a' + infinitive.

Él apresuró la cena para ir al cine.

He hurried dinner to go to the movies.

Transitive use with 'la cena' as the object.

Siempre se apresuran cuando van al médico.

They always hurry when they go to the doctor.

Present tense reflexive showing a habit.

Apresúrate a cerrar la puerta.

Hurry to close the door.

Imperative reflexive 'apresúrate' + 'a' + infinitive.

La empresa decidió apresurar el lanzamiento del nuevo producto.

The company decided to hasten the launch of the new product.

Transitive use in a professional context.

No te apresures a tomar una decisión tan importante.

Don't rush to make such an important decision.

Negative imperative reflexive used for advice.

El ruido de los truenos apresuró nuestro regreso al campamento.

The sound of thunder hastened our return to the campsite.

Transitive use where the subject is an event (the noise).

Se apresuró a explicar que todo fue un malentendido.

He hurried to explain that everything was a misunderstanding.

Reflexive preterite followed by 'a' and an explanatory clause.

Apresuramos los preparativos para la fiesta sorpresa.

We hurried the preparations for the surprise party.

Transitive preterite with 'los preparativos' as the object.

Si no nos apresuramos, perderemos el tren de las ocho.

If we don't hurry, we will miss the eight o'clock train.

Conditional 'if' clause using the present reflexive.

El médico apresuró los resultados de los análisis.

The doctor expedited the test results.

Transitive use meaning to expedite a process.

Me apresuro a añadir que esta es solo mi opinión.

I hasten to add that this is just my opinion.

Reflexive present used as a polite conversational filler.

La crisis económica apresuró la caída del gobierno anterior.

The economic crisis hastened the fall of the previous government.

Transitive use in a political/historical context.

Apresuró su marcha al notar que alguien lo seguía.

He quickened his pace upon noticing that someone was following him.

Transitive preterite with 'su marcha' as the object.

Es fundamental que no apresuremos el proceso de paz.

It is fundamental that we do not rush the peace process.

Present subjunctive after an impersonal expression.

Se apresuró a desmentir los rumores que circulaban en la prensa.

He hurried to deny the rumors that were circulating in the press.

Reflexive preterite with an infinitive object.

La llegada del invierno apresuró la migración de las aves.

The arrival of winter hastened the migration of the birds.

Transitive use describing a natural phenomenon.

No quiso apresurarse y prefirió esperar a tener más información.

He didn't want to rush and preferred to wait until he had more information.

Reflexive infinitive after a modal verb.

Apresuraron la votación para evitar más debates.

They rushed the vote to avoid further debate.

Transitive preterite in a formal setting.

Me apresuré a contestar el correo antes de que terminara mi turno.

I hurried to answer the email before my shift ended.

First person preterite reflexive.

El descubrimiento de nuevas pruebas apresuró el cierre de la investigación.

The discovery of new evidence hastened the closure of the investigation.

Transitive use in a legal/investigative context.

Se apresuró a matizar sus palabras para no herir sensibilidades.

He hurried to qualify his words so as not to hurt anyone's feelings.

Reflexive use with 'matizar' (to qualify/nuance).

La falta de suministros podría apresurar la rendición de las tropas.

The lack of supplies could hasten the surrender of the troops.

Conditional transitive use.

No conviene apresurar el paso en esta etapa de la negociación.

It is not advisable to quicken the pace at this stage of the negotiation.

Impersonal expression with an infinitive transitive phrase.

Apresuró su partida para evitar encontrarse con su antiguo socio.

He hastened his departure to avoid meeting his former partner.

Transitive use with 'su partida' as the object.

Se apresuraron a celebrar la victoria sin esperar el recuento final.

They hurried to celebrate the victory without waiting for the final count.

Reflexive preterite plural.

La enzima apresuró la descomposición de la materia orgánica.

The enzyme hastened the decomposition of the organic matter.

Technical transitive use.

Me apresuro a señalar que los datos aún no han sido validados.

I hasten to point out that the data has not yet been validated.

Formal reflexive present used in academic discourse.

El advenimiento de la tecnología digital apresuró la obsolescencia de los medios analógicos.

The advent of digital technology hastened the obsolescence of analog media.

Transitive use in a complex socio-technical context.

Apresuró su fin al involucrarse en negocios de dudosa legalidad.

He hastened his end by getting involved in businesses of questionable legality.

Metaphorical transitive use meaning to bring about one's downfall.

Se apresuró a interponer un recurso antes de que expirara el plazo legal.

He hurried to file an appeal before the legal deadline expired.

High-level legal vocabulary with reflexive 'apresurarse'.

La elocuencia del orador apresuró el consenso entre las partes en conflicto.

The orator's eloquence hastened the consensus among the conflicting parties.

Transitive use where an abstract quality (eloquence) is the subject.

No debemos apresurar la interpretación de un texto tan polisémico.

We should not rush the interpretation of such a polysemic text.

Formal transitive use in literary criticism.

Apresuraron la ejecución de la sentencia para acallar las protestas.

They rushed the execution of the sentence to silence the protests.

Transitive use in a political/legal context.

Se apresuró a desmarcarse de las polémicas declaraciones de su colega.

He hurried to distance himself from his colleague's controversial statements.

Reflexive use with 'desmarcarse' (to distance oneself).

La súbita helada apresuró la caída de las últimas hojas del otoño.

The sudden frost hastened the falling of the last leaves of autumn.

Poetic transitive use.

Common Collocations

apresurar el paso

apresurar el ritmo

apresurar una decisión

apresurar los trámites

apresurar el final

apresurar la marcha

apresurar la entrega

apresurar la conclusión

apresurar el regreso

apresurar la salida

Common Phrases

apresurarse a decir

— To be quick to point something out or clarify a point immediately.

Se apresuró a decir que él no tenía la culpa.

sin apresurarse

— Doing something calmly and taking the necessary time.

Hazlo bien, sin apresurarte.

apresurarse a ayudar

— To react quickly to provide assistance to someone in need.

Todos se apresuraron a ayudar tras el accidente.

no te apresures

— A common piece of advice telling someone to take their time.

No te apresures, piénsalo bien antes de contestar.

apresurarse a juzgar

— To form an opinion about someone or something too quickly.

Es fácil apresurarse a juzgar sin conocer los hechos.

apresurarse a cumplir

— To hurry to finish a task or obligation.

Se apresuró a cumplir con sus deberes antes del fin de semana.

apresurarse a llegar

— To hurry in order to reach a destination on time.

Me apresuro a llegar a la cita.

apresurarse a contestar

— To respond very quickly to a question or message.

Se apresuró a contestar el teléfono.

apresurarse a salir

— To leave a place in a hurry.

Se apresuraron a salir del edificio tras la alarma.

apresurarse a cerrar

— To close something quickly due to an external factor.

Se apresuró a cerrar las ventanas por el viento.

Often Confused With

apresurar vs acelerar

Acelerar is for physical speed (cars, particles), while apresurar is for human urgency and timing.

apresurar vs correr

Correr is the physical act of running; apresurarse is the state of being in a hurry.

apresurar vs urgir

Urguir means something is urgent (state), while apresurar is the action taken to resolve it.

Idioms & Expressions

"apresurar las cosas"

— To push a situation (often romantic or professional) faster than it should naturally go.

Siento que estamos apresurando las cosas en nuestra relación.

neutral

"apresurar el paso"

— To walk faster. While literal, it's used as a fixed idiomatic unit.

Apresuramos el paso para no perder el tren.

neutral

"no por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano"

— An idiom related to the futility of rushing things that have their own timing.

No intentes apresurar el proceso; recuerda que no por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano.

informal/proverb

"ir a toda prisa"

— To go at full speed. Related conceptually to 'apresurarse'.

El coche iba a toda prisa por la autopista.

informal

"vísteme despacio que tengo prisa"

— A famous phrase attributed to Napoleon, meaning that when you are in a hurry, you should do things carefully to avoid mistakes that slow you down.

Hazlo con cuidado; como dicen, vísteme despacio que tengo prisa.

informal/proverb

"meter prisa"

— To pressure someone to hurry up.

Mi jefe me está metiendo prisa con el informe.

informal

"correr que vuela"

— To run so fast it's as if one is flying. Used when someone 'se apresura' intensely.

Se apresuró tanto que salió corriendo que vuela.

informal

"a paso de tortuga"

— At a snail's pace. The opposite of 'apresurar el paso'.

No apresures el paso, vas a paso de tortuga.

informal

"quemar etapas"

— To skip or rush through stages of a process.

No debemos apresurar el proyecto ni quemar etapas innecesariamente.

neutral

"hacer algo a la carrera"

— To do something in a rushed, often sloppy manner.

No te apresures tanto que vas a hacer el trabajo a la carrera.

informal

Easily Confused

apresurar vs precipitar

Both involve speed.

Precipitar implies a lack of control or rushing into a mistake, whereas apresurar is just about speed.

Apresuró el informe (good), pero precipitó la decisión (bad).

apresurar vs agilizar

Both mean to speed up processes.

Agilizar implies making a process smoother/easier, while apresurar focuses purely on the time aspect.

Agilizar el trámite (improve it), apresurar el trámite (do it faster).

apresurar vs aligerar

Both mean to speed up.

Aligerar suggests making something lighter or easier to move quickly.

Aligeramos el paso (walked more easily/fast).

apresurar vs urgir

Related to urgency.

Urguir is used as 'it is urgent' (Me urge), while apresurar is 'to hurry'.

Me urge el dinero, así que apresura el pago.

apresurar vs espabilar

Used to tell someone to hurry.

Espabilar means to 'wake up' or 'get sharp', often used colloquially in Spain.

¡Espabila! (Hurry up/Wake up!) vs ¡Apresúrate! (Hurry up).

Sentence Patterns

Yo me apresuro.

Yo me apresuro para ir al cine.

Apresurar el paso.

Apresuramos el paso para llegar a tiempo.

Apresurarse a + infinitivo.

Se apresuró a cerrar la ventana.

Apresurar + sustantivo.

La empresa apresuró el lanzamiento.

No te apresures a + infinitivo.

No te apresures a sacar conclusiones.

Apresurar la conclusión de + sustantivo.

Apresuraron la conclusión de la obra.

Sustantivo + apresuró + sustantivo.

La lluvia apresuró nuestra partida.

Apresurar la obsolescencia de + sustantivo.

La tecnología apresuró la obsolescencia del papel.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in writing and formal speech; moderate in casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 'apresurar' instead of 'apresurarse' for oneself. → Me apresuro.
If the subject is the one hurrying, the verb must be reflexive. 'Apresuro' alone needs an object.
Using the preposition 'de' instead of 'a'. → Se apresuró a entrar.
The verb 'apresurarse' always takes 'a' when followed by an infinitive.
Confusing 'apresurar' with 'acelerar' for vehicles. → Aceleró el coche.
'Apresurar' is for processes and human haste; 'acelerar' is for mechanical speed.
Misplacing the stress in conjugated forms. → Apresúrate.
The stress stays on the stem in commands; learners often put it on the end.
Using 'apresurar' where 'correr' is meant. → Corrí a la tienda.
'Apresurarse' means you are in a hurry, but 'correr' specifically means the physical act of running.

Tips

Always use 'a' before infinitives

Whenever you use 'apresurarse' followed by another action, always use the preposition 'a'. Example: 'Me apresuro a estudiar'.

Apresurar vs. Darse prisa

Use 'apresurar' in your writing to sound more advanced and 'darse prisa' in your conversations to sound more natural.

Stress the last syllable

In the infinitive 'apresurar', the stress is on the 'rar'. Don't let the length of the word confuse you.

Professional settings

In an office, use 'apresurar los trámites' to sound professional when asking to speed things up.

Regional variation

In some countries, 'apresurarse' is very common even in casual speech, while in Spain it's slightly more formal.

The 'Pressure' link

Connect the 'presur' part of the word to English 'pressure'. Hastening is just putting pressure on time.

Walking faster

Memorize the phrase 'apresurar el paso' as a single unit. It's the most common way to use the transitive form.

Avoid repetition

If you've already used 'rápido', switch to 'apresuradamente' or 'apresurado' to show off your range.

Giving advice

Use 'No te apresures' to sound like a wise and caring friend when someone is making a big life choice.

News keywords

When listening to the news, 'apresurar' is a keyword that tells you something urgent is happening in the government or economy.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'a' + 'pressure' + 'ar'. You are adding 'pressure' to a situation to make it go faster. A-PRESSURE-AR.

Visual Association

Imagine a person pressing a fast-forward button on a remote control labeled 'Apresurar'.

Word Web

Prisa Urgencia Acelerar Rápido Correr Tiempo Paso Decisión

Challenge

Try to use 'apresurar' in a sentence about a deadline, then change it to the reflexive 'apresurarse' to talk about yourself.

Word Origin

Derived from the Spanish noun 'presura', which comes from the Latin 'pressūra' (pressure). This itself stems from 'premere' (to press).

Original meaning: The original meaning was related to being under pressure or feeling oppressed, which evolved into the sense of urgency and haste.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Be careful when telling someone 'apresúrate' (hurry up), as it can sound bossy or rude depending on your tone. 'No te apresures' is always safe and polite advice.

English speakers often use 'hurry' for everything, but Spanish speakers use 'apresurar' for a more refined sense of 'hastening' or 'expediting'.

Appears frequently in the works of Miguel de Cervantes to describe characters in a state of 'presura'. Used in news broadcasts like RTVE or CNN en Español for urgent political updates. Common in Spanish translations of classic literature to convey formal haste.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel and Commuting

apresurar el paso
apresurarse para no perder el vuelo
apresurar la marcha
apresurarse a la estación

Professional/Work

apresurar el proyecto
apresurar los trámites
apresurar la entrega
no apresurar la decisión

Daily Routine

apresurarse por la mañana
apresurarse a desayunar
no me apresures
apresurarse a terminar la tarea

Social/Relationships

apresurar las cosas
apresurarse a juzgar
apresurarse a saludar
no te apresures a concluir

News/Politics

apresurar la ley
apresurar las reformas
apresurar la ayuda
apresurar el cierre

Conversation Starters

"¿Sueles apresurarte por las mañanas o prefieres tomarte tu tiempo?"

"¿Crees que es bueno apresurar las cosas en una relación nueva?"

"¿Alguna vez has tenido que apresurar un proyecto importante en el trabajo?"

"¿Qué haces cuando alguien intenta apresurarte mientras estás concentrado?"

"¿En qué situaciones crees que es peligroso apresurar el paso?"

Journal Prompts

Describe una vez en la que te apresuraste a hacer algo y cometiste un error gracioso.

Reflexiona sobre la importancia de no apresurar las decisiones importantes en la vida.

Escribe sobre un día en el que tuviste que apresurar el paso para llegar a una cita importante.

¿Cómo te sientes cuando la gente te apresura? ¿Trabajas mejor bajo presión o con calma?

Imagina un mundo donde nadie tuviera que apresurarse. ¿Cómo sería la vida diaria?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Apresurar' es transitivo, lo que significa que tú haces que algo o alguien vaya más rápido (ej. apresurar un trámite). 'Apresurarse' es reflexivo, lo que significa que tú mismo vas más rápido (ej. me apresuro a llegar). Es fundamental usar el pronombre 'me, te, se' si tú eres quien tiene prisa.

Normalmente no. Para un coche se usa 'acelerar'. 'Apresurar' se refiere más a procesos, acciones humanas o el paso al caminar. Solo usarías 'apresurar' si hablas de acelerar el proceso de fabricación o venta del coche, no de pisar el acelerador.

Sí, 'apresurar' y 'apresurarse' tienen un tono más culto y formal. En la calle con amigos, lo más común es decir 'darse prisa' (ej. ¡Date prisa!). En un entorno profesional o en un libro, 'apresurar' es mucho más apropiado.

La preposición más común es 'a' cuando va seguida de un verbo en infinitivo. Por ejemplo: 'Se apresuró a contestar'. También se puede usar 'por' para indicar el motivo: 'Se apresuró por el miedo a llegar tarde'.

Se dice '¡Apresúrate!' para una persona (tú) o '¡Apresúrense!' para varias personas (ustedes). Recuerda poner el acento en la 'u' para mantener la pronunciación correcta.

Sí, es muy común en consejos: 'No te apresures'. Significa 'no tengas prisa' o 'tómate tu tiempo'. Se usa mucho para evitar que alguien tome una decisión impulsiva.

Es una expresión fija que significa empezar a caminar más rápido. No significa correr, sino simplemente aumentar la velocidad al andar porque tienes cierta urgencia por llegar a tu destino.

No, es incorrecto. La preposición correcta es 'a'. Debes decir 'Me apresuro a salir'. El uso de 'de' es un error común por confusión con otros verbos.

No exactamente. 'Correr' es el acto físico de desplazar las piernas rápidamente. 'Apresurarse' es tener prisa. Puedes apresurarte escribiendo un correo, cocinando o hablando, sin necesidad de correr físicamente.

Se usa en todo el mundo hispanohablante. Es muy frecuente en las noticias de España y Latinoamérica, en la literatura clásica y moderna, y en documentos oficiales o empresariales.