apurado
“apurado” means “in a hurry” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
in a hurry
Also: rushed
📝 In Action
Lo siento, no puedo hablar ahora, estoy muy apurado.
A1I'm sorry, I can't talk right now, I'm in a big hurry.
No camines tan apurado, tenemos tiempo.
A2Don't walk so rushed, we have time.
Siempre vas apurado al trabajo.
B1You are always in a rush to get to work.
in a tight spot
Also: broke, hard-pressed
📝 In Action
Este mes estoy un poco apurado de dinero.
B1I'm a bit short on money this month.
Me vi muy apurado para entregar el informe a tiempo.
B2I found myself really struggling to turn in the report on time.
No lo molestes, que está muy apurado con las cuentas.
C1Don't bother him, he's really hard-pressed with the bills.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: apurado
Question 1 of 3
If a woman is in a hurry, she should say...
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the verb 'apurar,' which comes from the Latin 'purus' (pure). Originally, it meant to purify or clean something completely. Over time, it evolved to mean pushing something to its limit or finishing it quickly, leading to the modern sense of being in a rush.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'apurado' the same as 'tengo prisa'?
Yes, they are very similar! 'Tengo prisa' means 'I have hurry,' while 'Estoy apurado' means 'I am rushed.' You can use either in most situations.
Does 'apurado' ever mean 'embarrassed'?
In some parts of Latin America (like Mexico), 'apurado' can occasionally mean worried, but 'apenado' is the much more common word for embarrassed.
Can I use 'apurado' for objects?
Usually, no. It is used to describe people or situations. For a 'fast car,' you would use 'rápido'.