à pressa in 30 Seconds
- Means 'in a hurry' or 'with great haste'.
- Describes actions done very quickly.
- Used when time is limited.
- Commonly follows the verb.
- Meaning
- 'À pressa' is a Portuguese adverbial phrase that translates to 'in a hurry' or 'with great haste' in English. It describes an action performed quickly, often due to a lack of time or a sense of urgency. This phrase is very common in everyday spoken and written Portuguese and is used across various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal situations where time constraints are a factor.
- Usage
- When you observe someone rushing to catch a bus, quickly finishing a meal, or hastily completing a task, you can describe their action as being done 'à pressa'. It highlights the speed and often the slight disorganization or stress associated with the action. For instance, if someone is running late for an appointment, they might leave their home 'à pressa'. Similarly, if a student has a deadline approaching, they might study 'à pressa'. It's a versatile phrase that captures the essence of doing something quickly and often without much deliberation. The phrase is formed by the preposition 'à' (to the) and the noun 'pressa' (haste, hurry), literally meaning 'to the hurry'. This construction is typical in Portuguese for forming adverbial phrases that modify verbs, indicating how an action is performed.
- Examples
- Imagine you are in a café and see someone gulping down their coffee and leaving abruptly. You could say: 'Ele tomou o café à pressa.' (He drank his coffee in a hurry.) Or, if a friend is packing their bags very quickly before a trip, you might comment: 'Ela está a arrumar a mala à pressa.' (She is packing her suitcase in a hurry.) The phrase emphasizes the rapid nature of the action. It can also imply that the person might have forgotten something or not paid sufficient attention due to the speed. For example, if someone rushes through their breakfast and later realizes they left their keys, it's because they ate 'à pressa'. The context usually makes it clear whether the haste is due to an external obligation or simply a personal habit of being rushed. It's a fundamental phrase for describing common, everyday situations where time is a critical factor. The feeling conveyed can range from mild inconvenience to significant stress, depending on the situation. Understanding 'à pressa' allows you to paint a more vivid picture of actions and events in Portuguese. It's about the 'how' of an action – specifically, how quickly and with what degree of urgency it was performed. This phrase is a building block for describing dynamic scenes and the pace of life in Portuguese-speaking cultures. It's a direct and efficient way to communicate the concept of rushing, making it an indispensable part of any learner's vocabulary.
Ele saiu de casa à pressa para não perder o autocarro.
A estudante terminou o trabalho à pressa antes do prazo.
- Placement
- 'À pressa' typically follows the verb it modifies, describing how the action was done. For example, 'Ele comeu à pressa' (He ate in a hurry). It can also appear at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, though this is less common: 'À pressa, ela pegou nas chaves e saiu.' (In a hurry, she grabbed her keys and left.) However, the most natural and frequent placement is after the verb. When used with verbs of motion like 'sair' (to leave) or 'chegar' (to arrive), it clearly indicates the manner of movement. For instance, 'Ele chegou à pressa' means he arrived quickly, likely flustered or late. Similarly, 'Ela saiu à pressa' means she left in a rush.
- Verb Agreement
- Since 'à pressa' is an adverbial phrase, it does not change its form to agree with the subject of the sentence. The verb it modifies will change according to standard Portuguese grammar (tense, person, number), but 'à pressa' itself remains constant. For example: 'Eu saio à pressa' (I leave in a hurry), 'Tu sais à pressa' (You leave in a hurry), 'Nós saímos à pressa' (We leave in a hurry), 'Eles saíram à pressa' (They left in a hurry). This constancy makes it straightforward to incorporate into sentences once you understand its meaning and function.
- Common Verbs
- 'À pressa' is frequently used with verbs related to actions that can be performed quickly or under time pressure. Some common verbs include: 'comer' (to eat), 'beber' (to drink), 'fazer' (to do/make), 'sair' (to leave), 'chegar' (to arrive), 'escrever' (to write), 'ler' (to read), 'arrumar' (to tidy/pack), 'estudar' (to study), and 'trabalhar' (to work). For instance: 'Ele fez o jantar à pressa.' (He made dinner in a hurry.) 'Ela escreveu o e-mail à pressa.' (She wrote the email in a hurry.) 'Nós estudamos para o teste à pressa.' (We studied for the test in a hurry.) The context will often imply the reason for the haste, such as an unexpected visitor, a looming deadline, or simply trying to catch up on tasks. The phrase adds a layer of detail to the description of these actions, making the narrative more dynamic and relatable. It’s a practical tool for expressing the common human experience of being rushed.
Ele bebeu o café à pressa antes de sair para o trabalho.
A secretária redigiu o relatório à pressa.
- Everyday Conversations
- You will hear 'à pressa' constantly in daily life. Imagine friends discussing their morning routines: 'Eu tive que me vestir à pressa hoje porque perdi a hora.' (I had to get dressed in a hurry today because I overslept.) Or in a family setting: 'As crianças comeram o pequeno-almoço à pressa para ir para a escola.' (The children ate breakfast in a hurry to go to school.) It’s a natural way to describe the common experience of juggling responsibilities and time constraints. Think about a scenario where someone is trying to finish a task before a specific event, like a train departure or a meeting. They might say, 'Tenho que terminar isto à pressa.' (I have to finish this in a hurry.) The phrase is so ingrained in the language that it often goes unnoticed, yet it's a crucial descriptor of hurried actions.
- Media and News
- In news reports, 'à pressa' can describe how officials or individuals reacted to an emergency or a sudden development. For example, a report might state: 'As equipas de resgate trabalharam à pressa para encontrar os desaparecidos.' (The rescue teams worked in a hurry to find the missing people.) It can also be used in feature articles to describe the pace of life in busy cities or during specific events. In fictional media, like movies or TV shows, characters often act 'à pressa' when they are in a tight spot, trying to escape danger, or rushing to a crucial rendezvous. The phrase adds a sense of urgency and drama to the narrative. For instance, a character might be seen grabbing their coat and running out the door, with the narration or dialogue noting they did so 'à pressa'.
- Workplace and Academic Settings
- In professional or academic environments, 'à pressa' is used to describe situations where deadlines are tight. A colleague might say: 'Preciso de rever este documento à pressa antes da reunião.' (I need to review this document in a hurry before the meeting.) Students often find themselves studying or completing assignments 'à pressa' when exams or project deadlines approach. For example: 'Ele preparou a apresentação à pressa na noite anterior.' (He prepared the presentation in a hurry the night before.) This usage reflects the real-world pressures of deadlines and the need for efficient, albeit sometimes rushed, work. It’s a direct acknowledgment of time constraints. The phrase is not limited to negative connotations; sometimes, working 'à pressa' can lead to a burst of productivity and efficiency when time is of the essence.
O jornalista escreveu a notícia à pressa para cumprir o prazo do jornal.
Tivemos que sair à pressa porque o voo estava a atrasar-se.
- Using 'Pressa' as a Verb
- A common mistake for learners is to try and conjugate 'pressa' as if it were a verb, or to use it in verb constructions where it doesn't fit. Remember, 'pressa' is a noun meaning 'haste' or 'hurry'. The phrase 'à pressa' functions as an adverbial phrase. You don't 'pressar' something in the sense of 'to hurry up' using this noun directly. While there is a verb 'apressar' (to hurry someone/something), 'à pressa' is a static adverbial phrase. For example, a mistake would be saying 'Eu pressa para ir' instead of 'Eu estou com pressa para ir' or 'Eu saio à pressa'. The correct usage involves the preposition 'à' followed by the noun 'pressa' to modify a verb.
- Incorrect Prepositions
- Another pitfall is using the wrong preposition. The correct and standard form is 'à pressa'. Learners might mistakenly use 'em pressa' or 'com pressa'. While 'com pressa' can sometimes be understood, 'à pressa' is the idiomatic and most common form. For instance, saying 'Ele fez isso em pressa' is less natural than 'Ele fez isso à pressa'. Similarly, 'com pressa' might be heard, but 'à pressa' is the default and preferred expression for 'in a hurry'. Sticking to 'à pressa' will ensure your Portuguese sounds more natural and fluent. The construction 'à + noun' is a common way to form adverbial phrases in Portuguese (e.g., 'à noite' - at night, 'à tarde' - in the afternoon).
- Overuse or Underuse
- Some learners might overuse 'à pressa' when a simpler adverb like 'rapidamente' (quickly) would suffice, or conversely, underuse it and miss opportunities to add descriptive detail. While 'rapidamente' and 'à pressa' can overlap, 'à pressa' often carries a stronger connotation of being rushed, possibly due to time constraints or a slight feeling of disorganization, whereas 'rapidamente' is a more neutral term for speed. For example, you might drive 'rapidamente' on an open road, but you would likely drive 'à pressa' if you are late for an important meeting. Understanding this nuance helps in choosing the most appropriate word. It’s also important not to overuse it to the point where every quick action is described as 'à pressa', as this can make your speech repetitive.
Mistake: Ele fez o trabalho em pressa.
Correct: Ele fez o trabalho à pressa.
Mistake: Eu estou com pressa de sair.
Correct: Eu estou com pressa para sair. (Note: 'com pressa' is acceptable here, but 'à pressa' modifies the action of leaving, not the state of being).
- Rapidamente (Quickly)
- Comparison: 'Rapidamente' is a direct adverb meaning 'quickly' or 'rapidly'. It focuses purely on the speed of an action. 'À pressa', while also indicating speed, often implies a sense of urgency, being rushed, or even a slight lack of meticulousness due to the haste.
Example: 'Ele correu rapidamente.' (He ran quickly - neutral, just fast.) vs. 'Ele correu à pressa.' (He ran in a hurry - implies he might be late or fleeing.)
Usage: Use 'rapidamente' for general speed. Use 'à pressa' when the speed is driven by external pressure or a feeling of being rushed. - Com URGÊNCIA (With Urgency)
- Comparison: 'Com urgência' directly translates to 'with urgency'. It emphasizes the critical nature of the task or situation, highlighting the need for immediate attention. 'À pressa' is more about the manner of execution – how fast someone is doing something due to that urgency.
Example: 'Este relatório precisa de ser feito com urgência.' (This report needs to be done with urgency - focus on the importance.) vs. 'Ele fez o relatório à pressa.' (He did the report in a hurry - focus on his quick action.)
Usage: 'Com urgência' often describes the task itself or the requirement for speed. 'À pressa' describes the person's action. - Num instante (In an instant)
- Comparison: 'Num instante' means 'in an instant' or 'in a flash'. It describes an action that is extremely fast, almost instantaneous. 'À pressa' is generally for actions that take a bit longer than an instant but are still done very quickly.
Example: 'A luz apagou-se num instante.' (The light went out in an instant - very sudden and fast.) vs. 'Ele comeu o almoço à pressa.' (He ate lunch in a hurry - it took more than an instant.)
Usage: 'Num instante' is for extremely brief, sudden actions. 'À pressa' is for actions performed with significant speed over a short duration. - De improviso (Improvised/On the fly)
- Comparison: 'De improviso' means 'improvised' or 'on the fly'. It describes an action done without prior planning, often quickly because of the lack of preparation. While actions done 'de improviso' can also be done 'à pressa', the focus is different. 'De improviso' emphasizes the lack of planning, whereas 'à pressa' emphasizes the speed.
Example: 'Ele deu uma resposta de improviso.' (He gave an improvised answer - focus on no preparation.) vs. 'Ele deu uma resposta à pressa.' (He gave an answer in a hurry - focus on speed, maybe he was interrupted.)
Usage: Use 'de improviso' when the lack of preparation is the key aspect. Use 'à pressa' when speed due to circumstances is the focus.
'Rapidamente' = Speed; 'À pressa' = Speed + Urgency/Rushed feeling.
'Com urgência' highlights the necessity; 'À pressa' describes the resulting action.
How Formal Is It?
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Fun Fact
The concept of 'pressa' being linked to 'pressing' or 'crowding' makes sense when you think about how feeling crowded or pressured often leads to a need to move quickly. Imagine being in a crowded market and needing to get through quickly – that feeling of being 'pressed' by others can induce a state of 'pressa'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the initial 'à' as a long 'aa' sound.
- Not stressing the second syllable sufficiently.
- Pronouncing the final 'a' too strongly, making it sound like 'ah'.
Difficulty Rating
The phrase 'à pressa' is very common in Portuguese texts. Understanding its meaning and context is crucial for comprehending the pace and urgency of actions described. Learners at A2 level and above should be able to recognize and understand it easily in most reading materials.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adverbial Phrases: 'À pressa' is an adverbial phrase that modifies verbs, indicating manner.
Ele correu à pressa.
Prepositional Phrases: The structure 'à + noun' is common for forming adverbial phrases (e.g., à noite, à tarde).
Fizemos isso à pressa.
Verb Conjugation: The verb that 'à pressa' modifies will be conjugated according to tense, mood, and person.
Nós comemos à pressa. (We eat in a hurry - present) / Nós comemos à pressa. (We ate in a hurry - preterite)
Agreement: Adverbial phrases like 'à pressa' do not change form to agree with gender or number.
O homem saiu à pressa. / A mulher saiu à pressa. / Os homens saíram à pressa.
Placement: Typically follows the verb, but can sometimes precede for emphasis.
Ele comeu à pressa. / À pressa, ele comeu.
Examples by Level
Eu como à pressa.
I eat in a hurry.
Simple present tense verb 'comer' (to eat) followed by 'à pressa'.
Ele bebe o sumo à pressa.
He drinks the juice in a hurry.
Present tense verb 'beber' (to drink) followed by 'à pressa'.
Nós saímos à pressa.
We leave in a hurry.
Present tense verb 'sair' (to leave) followed by 'à pressa'.
Ela escreve à pressa.
She writes in a hurry.
Present tense verb 'escrever' (to write) followed by 'à pressa'.
O pai trabalha à pressa.
The father works in a hurry.
Present tense verb 'trabalhar' (to work) followed by 'à pressa'.
A mãe arruma à pressa.
The mother tidies up in a hurry.
Present tense verb 'arrumar' (to tidy) followed by 'à pressa'.
O cão corre à pressa.
The dog runs in a hurry.
Present tense verb 'correr' (to run) followed by 'à pressa'.
Eu durmo à pressa.
I sleep in a hurry.
Present tense verb 'dormir' (to sleep) followed by 'à pressa'.
Ele saiu de casa à pressa para não perder o autocarro.
He left home in a hurry so as not to miss the bus.
Past tense verb 'sair' (to leave) followed by 'à pressa' and a purpose clause.
A estudante terminou o trabalho à pressa antes do prazo.
The student finished the work in a hurry before the deadline.
Past tense verb 'terminar' (to finish) followed by 'à pressa' and a time reference.
Nós comemos o jantar à pressa porque estávamos atrasados.
We ate dinner in a hurry because we were late.
Past tense verb 'comer' (to eat) followed by 'à pressa' and a reason clause.
Ela preparou a mala à pressa para a viagem.
She packed her suitcase in a hurry for the trip.
Past tense verb 'preparar' (to prepare) followed by 'à pressa' and a prepositional phrase indicating purpose.
O médico atendeu o paciente à pressa.
The doctor attended to the patient in a hurry.
Past tense verb 'atender' (to attend to) followed by 'à pressa'.
Eles estudaram para o exame à pressa.
They studied for the exam in a hurry.
Past tense verb 'estudar' (to study) followed by 'à pressa'.
O carteiro entregou as cartas à pressa.
The postman delivered the letters in a hurry.
Past tense verb 'entregar' (to deliver) followed by 'à pressa'.
Fizemos as compras à pressa porque ia chover.
We did the shopping in a hurry because it was going to rain.
Past tense verb 'fazer' (to do) followed by 'à pressa' and a reason clause.
Ele teve que terminar o relatório à pressa devido a um imprevisto.
He had to finish the report in a hurry due to an unforeseen event.
Past tense verb 'ter' (to have) + infinitive, followed by 'à pressa' and a cause.
A equipa de resgate trabalhou à pressa para salvar as vítimas.
The rescue team worked in a hurry to save the victims.
Past tense verb 'trabalhar' (to work) followed by 'à pressa' and an infinitive of purpose.
Ela arrumou as suas coisas à pressa, sem sequer olhar para elas.
She packed her things in a hurry, without even looking at them.
Past tense verb 'arrumar' (to pack) followed by 'à pressa' and a gerund phrase.
O artista pintou o quadro à pressa para a exposição.
The artist painted the picture in a hurry for the exhibition.
Past tense verb 'pintar' (to paint) followed by 'à pressa' and a purpose phrase.
Tivemos que tomar uma decisão à pressa, sem tempo para pensar.
We had to make a decision in a hurry, with no time to think.
Past tense verb 'tomar' (to make/take) followed by 'à pressa' and a descriptive phrase.
Ele respondeu às perguntas à pressa, visivelmente nervoso.
He answered the questions in a hurry, visibly nervous.
Past tense verb 'responder' (to answer) followed by 'à pressa' and an adverbial participle.
A notícia espalhou-se à pressa pela cidade.
The news spread in a hurry through the city.
Past tense verb 'espalhar-se' (to spread) followed by 'à pressa'.
Ela fez um discurso à pressa, sem preparação prévia.
She gave a speech in a hurry, without prior preparation.
Past tense verb 'fazer' (to give/make) followed by 'à pressa' and a descriptive phrase.
O cerimonial foi conduzido à pressa para acomodar o horário apertado do dignitário.
The ceremony was conducted in a hurry to accommodate the dignitary's tight schedule.
Past passive verb 'ser conduzido' (to be conducted) followed by 'à pressa' and a purpose clause.
A empresa lançou o produto à pressa, temendo a concorrência.
The company launched the product in a hurry, fearing the competition.
Past tense verb 'lançar' (to launch) followed by 'à pressa' and a participial phrase indicating reason.
Ele tentou disfarçar a sua surpresa, mas falhou à pressa.
He tried to hide his surprise, but failed in his haste.
Past tense verb 'falhar' (to fail) followed by 'à pressa'.
A ordem foi executada à pressa, sem a devida verificação.
The order was executed in a hurry, without due verification.
Past passive verb 'ser executado' (to be executed) followed by 'à pressa' and a prepositional phrase indicating lack of something.
As negociações foram concluídas à pressa para evitar o colapso.
The negotiations were concluded in a hurry to avoid collapse.
Past passive verb 'ser concluído' (to be concluded) followed by 'à pressa' and an infinitive of purpose.
Ela editou o manuscrito à pressa, confiando no seu instinto.
She edited the manuscript in a hurry, trusting her instinct.
Past tense verb 'editar' (to edit) followed by 'à pressa' and a participial phrase.
A construção do edifício avançou à pressa para cumprir o prazo.
The construction of the building advanced in a hurry to meet the deadline.
Past tense verb 'avançar' (to advance) followed by 'à pressa' and a purpose phrase.
Ele fez as malas à pressa, esquecendo-se de itens essenciais.
He packed his bags in a hurry, forgetting essential items.
Past tense verb 'fazer' (to pack) followed by 'à pressa' and a participial phrase.
O governo agiu à pressa para conter a crise económica emergente.
The government acted in a hurry to contain the emerging economic crisis.
Past tense verb 'agir' (to act) followed by 'à pressa' and an infinitive of purpose.
A decisão foi tomada à pressa, sem a devida ponderação das consequências.
The decision was made in a hurry, without due consideration of the consequences.
Past passive verb 'ser tomado' (to be made) followed by 'à pressa' and a prepositional phrase indicating lack of something.
Ele tentou justificar a sua conduta à pressa, mas as suas desculpas soaram vazias.
He tried to justify his conduct in a hurry, but his excuses sounded empty.
Past tense verb 'tentar' (to try) + infinitive, followed by 'à pressa' and a descriptive clause.
A investigação foi acelerada à pressa para apanhar os culpados.
The investigation was accelerated in a hurry to catch the culprits.
Past passive verb 'ser acelerado' (to be accelerated) followed by 'à pressa' and an infinitive of purpose.
Ela improvisou uma resposta à pressa, tentando ganhar tempo.
She improvised an answer in a hurry, trying to buy time.
Past tense verb 'improvisar' (to improvise) followed by 'à pressa' and a participial phrase.
O tratado foi assinado à pressa, sob pressão internacional.
The treaty was signed in a hurry, under international pressure.
Past passive verb 'ser assinado' (to be signed) followed by 'à pressa' and a prepositional phrase indicating cause.
A reforma foi implementada à pressa, gerando controvérsia.
The reform was implemented in a hurry, generating controversy.
Past passive verb 'ser implementado' (to be implemented) followed by 'à pressa' and a participial phrase.
Ele refez o plano à pressa, percebendo o erro crítico.
He redid the plan in a hurry, realizing the critical error.
Past tense verb 'refazer' (to redo) followed by 'à pressa' and a participial phrase.
A resposta militar foi desencadeada à pressa, antecipando uma escalada do conflito.
The military response was unleashed in a hurry, anticipating an escalation of the conflict.
Past passive verb 'ser desencadeado' (to be unleashed) followed by 'à pressa' and a participial phrase indicating anticipation.
O discurso foiCompiled à pressa, refletindo a urgência da situação.
The speech was compiled in a hurry, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
Past passive verb 'ser compilado' (to be compiled) followed by 'à pressa' and a participial phrase.
Ele tentou reverter a sua decisão à pressa, mas o dano já estava feito.
He tried to reverse his decision in a hurry, but the damage was already done.
Past tense verb 'tentar' (to try) + infinitive, followed by 'à pressa' and a clause indicating consequence.
A evacuação foi realizada à pressa, dada a iminência do desastre natural.
The evacuation was carried out in a hurry, given the imminence of the natural disaster.
Past passive verb 'ser realizado' (to be carried out) followed by 'à pressa' and a prepositional phrase indicating reason.
O artista retocou a obra à pressa, buscando a perfeição antes do prazo final.
The artist retouched the work in a hurry, seeking perfection before the final deadline.
Past tense verb 'retocar' (to retouch) followed by 'à pressa' and a participial phrase.
A comunicação foi transmitida à pressa, visando alertar a população.
The communication was transmitted in a hurry, aiming to alert the population.
Past passive verb 'ser transmitido' (to be transmitted) followed by 'à pressa' and a participial phrase.
Ele tentou refutar as acusações à pressa, mas a sua defesa foi pouco convincente.
He tried to refute the accusations in a hurry, but his defense was unconvincing.
Past tense verb 'tentar' (to try) + infinitive, followed by 'à pressa' and a descriptive clause.
A recuperação dos dados foi feita à pressa, devido à falha crítica do sistema.
The data recovery was done in a hurry, due to the critical system failure.
Past passive verb 'ser feito' (to be done) followed by 'à pressa' and a prepositional phrase indicating cause.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Come on, come on, hurry up!
O autocarro está a chegar, vamos, vamos, à pressa!
— Don't do things in a hurry.
Pensa bem antes de agir, não faças as coisas à pressa.
— He always lives in a hurry.
Parece que ele nunca tem tempo para relaxar, ele vive sempre à pressa.
— The meeting was scheduled in a hurry.
Não tivemos tempo de preparar tudo, a reunião foi marcada à pressa.
— The response came in a hurry.
Esperávamos uma resposta mais ponderada, mas veio à pressa.
— She tidied everything up in a hurry.
Os convidados iam chegar, então ela arrumou tudo à pressa.
— Working in a hurry is not good.
Trabalhar à pressa não é bom para a qualidade.
Often Confused With
'Com pressa' means 'with haste' or 'hurriedly' and describes a state of being. 'À pressa' describes the manner of an action. While related, 'à pressa' modifies a verb directly, indicating how the action was performed. For example, 'Estou com pressa' (I am in a hurry), but 'Ele saiu à pressa' (He left in a hurry).
'Apressadamente' is the direct adverb form of 'apressar' (to hurry). It is very similar in meaning to 'à pressa' and often interchangeable. 'À pressa' is a fixed idiomatic phrase, while 'apressadamente' is a derived adverb. Both convey the idea of doing something quickly and with haste.
'Rapidamente' means 'quickly' or 'rapidly'. It focuses purely on speed. 'À pressa' implies a sense of urgency or being rushed, often due to time constraints, which 'rapidamente' doesn't necessarily convey.
Idioms & Expressions
— To do something with extreme finality and haste, often implying a desperate or rushed end.
Ele tentou terminar o projeto, mas deu o seu último suspiro à pressa e não conseguiu.
Figurative— To do something very quickly, often implying a lack of thoroughness or care because of time pressure.
Ele respondeu às perguntas, fazendo o pão à pressa.
Figurative— To handle something very quickly and superficially, often to get it done without proper attention.
Ela passou a ferro a situação à pressa, sem resolver o problema de fundo.
Figurative— To use up time very quickly, often in a unproductive or rushed manner.
Ele ficou a ver o telemóvel, a comer o tempo à pressa.
Figurative— To leave in a great hurry, often in a clumsy or disorganized way.
Quando ouviu a notícia, saiu a correr e a tropeçar.
Figurative— To tolerate unpleasant situations or people very quickly and without much complaint due to external pressure.
Ele teve que engolir sapos à pressa para manter o emprego.
Figurative— To quickly disassociate oneself from a situation or responsibility, often to avoid blame.
Quando o problema surgiu, ele lavou as mãos à pressa.
Figurative— To move on from a situation or event very quickly, often without proper reflection or closure.
Depois do divórcio, ela tentou virar a página à pressa.
Figurative— To pretend not to hear or ignore something in a rushed manner, often to avoid dealing with it.
Quando lhe pediram ajuda, ele fez ouvidos de mercador à pressa.
Figurative— To make a quick, short visit or trip.
Tenho que dar um salto à loja à pressa antes que feche.
FigurativeEasily Confused
Both phrases relate to the concept of hurry and haste.
'Com pressa' is a prepositional phrase that describes the state of being hurried ('Estou com pressa' - I am in a hurry). 'À pressa' is an adverbial phrase that describes the manner in which an action is performed ('Ele saiu à pressa' - He left in a hurry). You are 'com pressa' (in a hurry), and you do things 'à pressa' (in a hurry).
Eu estou <strong>com pressa</strong> para chegar ao trabalho, por isso vou dirigir <strong>à pressa</strong>.
Both are adverbs or adverbial phrases indicating haste.
'À pressa' is a fixed idiomatic expression, often implying a more significant sense of being rushed or under pressure. 'Apressadamente' is the direct adverb derived from the verb 'apressar' (to hurry) and is generally a more literal description of speed. They are often interchangeable, but 'à pressa' can carry a slightly stronger connotation of urgency.
Ele respondeu <strong>apressadamente</strong>. / Ele respondeu <strong>à pressa</strong>.
Both indicate speed.
'Rapidamente' simply means 'quickly' and is neutral. 'À pressa' implies that the speed is due to a lack of time, a sense of urgency, or being rushed. You might walk 'rapidamente' because you enjoy walking fast, but you would walk 'à pressa' if you were late for an appointment.
Ela terminou a tarefa <strong>rapidamente</strong>. / Ela terminou a tarefa <strong>à pressa</strong> porque o chefe estava a olhar.
Actions done quickly are often improvised.
'De improviso' means 'improvised' or 'on the fly', focusing on the lack of planning. 'À pressa' means 'in a hurry', focusing on the speed due to time constraints. An action can be both 'de improviso' and 'à pressa', but the emphasis is different.
Ele deu uma resposta <strong>de improviso</strong>. / Ele deu uma resposta <strong>à pressa</strong>.
Both relate to a need for speed.
'Com urgência' means 'with urgency' and highlights the critical importance of the task. 'À pressa' describes the manner in which the task is performed due to that urgency. The former is about the requirement, the latter about the execution.
O pedido foi feito <strong>com urgência</strong>. / O pedido foi tratado <strong>à pressa</strong>.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + Verb + à pressa.
Eu como à pressa.
Subject + Verb (past) + à pressa + reason.
Ele saiu à pressa porque estava atrasado.
Subject + Verb + à pressa + descriptive phrase.
Ela arrumou as coisas à pressa, sem olhar.
Passive voice + à pressa + purpose.
A ordem foi executada à pressa para cumprir o prazo.
Subject + Verb + à pressa + participial phrase.
Ele tentou justificar à pressa, mas soou vazio.
Complex sentence with 'à pressa' modifying a main action, often with subordinate clauses.
A resposta militar foi desencadeada à pressa, antecipando uma escalada.
Prepositional phrase + Subject + Verb + à pressa.
Naquela manhã, ele saiu à pressa.
Subject + 'estar com pressa' + infinitive.
Estou com pressa para sair.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High
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Using 'em pressa' or 'na pressa' instead of 'à pressa'.
→
Ele fez o trabalho à pressa.
'À pressa' is the standard idiomatic expression. While 'com pressa' is acceptable to describe the state of being hurried, 'à pressa' is the correct adverbial phrase for the manner of action.
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Confusing 'à pressa' with 'rapidamente' when urgency is implied.
→
Ele correu à pressa para não perder o autocarro.
'Rapidamente' means 'quickly' in a neutral sense. 'À pressa' implies being rushed or under time pressure, which is crucial in this context.
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Trying to conjugate 'pressa' as a verb.
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Eu estou com pressa.
'Pressa' is a noun. The phrase is 'à pressa'. You don't 'pressar' something in this sense; you use the verb 'apressar' or describe the action as being done 'à pressa'.
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Overusing 'à pressa' when a simpler adverb would suffice.
→
Ele falou rapidamente.
While 'à pressa' means quickly, it carries a connotation of being rushed. If the action was simply fast without any sense of pressure, 'rapidamente' or 'apressadamente' might be more appropriate.
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Placing 'à pressa' incorrectly in the sentence.
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Ela comeu à pressa.
The most common placement for 'à pressa' is after the verb it modifies. While it can sometimes be placed at the beginning for emphasis, the post-verbal position is standard.
Tips
Mastering the Sound
Pay close attention to the stress on the second syllable: 'à PRESSa'. The initial 'a' is open like in 'father', and the final 'a' is a soft, unstressed sound. Practice saying it with native speakers or using pronunciation guides.
Expand Your Options
While 'à pressa' is very common, learn related terms like 'rapidamente' (quickly) and 'apressadamente' (hastily). Understanding the subtle differences will allow you to choose the most precise word for each situation.
Adverbial Power
Remember that 'à pressa' is an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs and describes how an action is performed. It doesn't change form based on gender or number, making it straightforward to use once you grasp its meaning.
Connect and Recall
Use mnemonics or visual associations. For example, link 'pressa' to the English word 'pressure' – when you feel pressure, you act 'à pressa'. This connection can help you remember the meaning and usage.
Active Recall
Create your own sentences using 'à pressa' in different contexts. Try describing your daily routine or a past event where you were in a hurry. The more you use it, the more natural it will become.
Native Speaker Immersion
Listen to Portuguese music, podcasts, or watch movies. Pay attention to how native speakers use 'à pressa' in natural conversation. This will help you understand its nuances and common collocations.
Adding Vividness
In your writing, use 'à pressa' to add a sense of action and urgency. Instead of saying someone 'walked', say they 'walked à pressa' to paint a more dynamic picture for the reader.
Common Patterns
Focus on common sentence structures like 'Subject + Verb + à pressa' (e.g., 'Eu como à pressa') and 'Subject + Verb (past) + à pressa + reason' (e.g., 'Ele saiu à pressa porque estava atrasado').
Cultural Context
Understand that in many Portuguese-speaking cultures, a fast-paced life is common. 'À pressa' is a reflection of this reality and is used pragmatically to describe everyday situations.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone named 'Pressa' who is always running late. You see her rushing everywhere, saying 'Oh no, I'm always 'à pressa'!' The name 'Pressa' sounds like the word, and her constant rushing reinforces the meaning.
Visual Association
Picture a clock with its hands spinning incredibly fast, almost a blur. Next to it, imagine a person frantically trying to tie their shoelaces or grab their keys. The spinning clock represents the 'pressa' (haste), and the person's actions show the 'à pressa' (in a hurry).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe five different actions you do every day using the phrase 'à pressa'. For example, 'I eat breakfast à pressa,' 'I get dressed à pressa,' etc. This will help you internalize the phrase in different contexts.
Word Origin
The phrase 'à pressa' originates from the Portuguese word 'pressa', which itself comes from the Latin word 'pressura', meaning 'a pressing' or 'a crowding'. This Latin root is related to the verb 'premere', meaning 'to press'. The evolution suggests a sense of being crowded or pressured, leading to the need for haste.
Original meaning: Literally 'to the hurry' or 'to the haste'.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseCultural Context
The phrase itself is generally neutral and descriptive. However, the context in which it's used can imply stress, anxiety, or even carelessness, so be mindful of the overall tone.
While English has phrases like 'in a hurry', 'hastily', or 'quickly', 'à pressa' carries a specific idiomatic flavor in Portuguese that often implies a slightly more frantic or pressured speed.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Morning rush
- Acordei tarde e tive que me vestir à pressa.
- Comi o pequeno-almoço à pressa.
- Saí de casa à pressa.
Meeting deadlines
- O prazo é amanhã, tenho que trabalhar à pressa.
- Terminei o projeto à pressa.
- A apresentação foi feita à pressa.
Travel
- Corri para o aeroporto à pressa.
- Fiz as malas à pressa.
- Chegámos à estação à pressa.
Emergencies
- Os bombeiros agiram à pressa.
- Tivemos que sair à pressa.
- A decisão foi tomada à pressa.
Everyday chores
- Limpei a casa à pressa antes dos convidados chegarem.
- Fiz as compras à pressa.
- Arrumei tudo à pressa.
Conversation Starters
"What's something you often do 'à pressa'?"
"Can you describe a time you had to do something 'à pressa'?"
"When is it okay to do things 'à pressa', and when is it not?"
"Do you think people in your country are generally 'à pressa' or more relaxed?"
"What are the consequences of always acting 'à pressa'?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a morning where you were particularly 'à pressa' and what happened.
Describe a situation where you chose to do something 'à pressa' and whether it was the right decision.
Reflect on the feeling of being 'à pressa'. What emotions does it evoke?
Imagine a character who is always 'à pressa'. Write a short story about their day.
Compare and contrast doing something 'à pressa' versus doing it 'calmamente'. What are the benefits of each?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'À pressa' is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. While it's a common phrase in everyday conversation, it's also appropriate in more formal writing or speech when describing actions performed quickly due to time constraints. For very formal contexts, alternatives like 'com celeridade' might be preferred, but 'à pressa' is widely understood and accepted.
Essentially, yes. 'À pressa' describes the manner of an action, so it can be used with most verbs that can be performed quickly. Common examples include verbs of motion (sair, chegar, correr), eating/drinking (comer, beber), working (trabalhar, fazer), and communicating (escrever, falar). The context will determine if using 'à pressa' makes sense for a particular verb.
'Estar com pressa' means 'to be in a hurry' – it describes a state of being. 'Fazer algo à pressa' means 'to do something in a hurry' – it describes the manner of performing an action. You might be 'com pressa' (state) and therefore you do things 'à pressa' (manner).
Not necessarily. While 'à pressa' often implies that an action is done quickly due to a lack of time or pressure, which can sometimes lead to mistakes, it doesn't inherently carry a negative connotation. It can simply be a factual description of how an action was performed. For example, a chef might prepare a dish 'à pressa' to meet a specific timing requirement in a culinary competition, which is not negative.
Typically, 'à pressa' modifies a verb and follows it. However, for emphasis, it can sometimes appear at the beginning of a sentence, although this is less common. For instance, 'À pressa, ele pegou nas chaves e saiu.' (In a hurry, he grabbed his keys and left.) But the most natural and frequent placement is after the verb it describes.
Yes, you can. For example, 'Ele pensou à pressa' means 'He thought in a hurry'. This implies a quick, perhaps superficial, thought process due to time constraints or urgency.
'Pressa' is an uncountable noun in Portuguese, meaning 'haste' or 'hurry'. Therefore, it does not have a plural form.
Yes, 'hurriedly' is a very good translation for 'à pressa'. Both convey the idea of acting quickly and with haste, often due to time pressure.
The most common way to say 'I'm in a hurry' is 'Estou com pressa'. If you want to say you are doing something in a hurry, you would use 'Eu faço isso à pressa'.
'Com pressa' describes the state of being hurried ('Estou com pressa' - I am in a hurry). 'À pressa' describes the manner of an action ('Ele saiu à pressa' - He left in a hurry). You are 'com pressa' and you do things 'à pressa'.
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Summary
'À pressa' is an essential Portuguese adverbial phrase meaning 'in a hurry' or 'with great haste'. It's used to describe actions performed quickly due to time constraints and typically follows the verb it modifies.
- Means 'in a hurry' or 'with great haste'.
- Describes actions done very quickly.
- Used when time is limited.
- Commonly follows the verb.
Mastering the Sound
Pay close attention to the stress on the second syllable: 'à PRESSa'. The initial 'a' is open like in 'father', and the final 'a' is a soft, unstressed sound. Practice saying it with native speakers or using pronunciation guides.
Context is Key
While 'à pressa' means 'in a hurry', consider the underlying reason for the haste. Is it excitement, stress, or necessity? This context will help you use the phrase more effectively and naturally in your writing and speaking.
Expand Your Options
While 'à pressa' is very common, learn related terms like 'rapidamente' (quickly) and 'apressadamente' (hastily). Understanding the subtle differences will allow you to choose the most precise word for each situation.
Adverbial Power
Remember that 'à pressa' is an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs and describes how an action is performed. It doesn't change form based on gender or number, making it straightforward to use once you grasp its meaning.
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à la carte
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à mão
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