apuro
“apuro” means “predicament” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
predicament
Also: embarrassment, tight spot
📝 In Action
Tu ayuda me sacó de un gran apuro.
B1Your help got me out of a big predicament.
No quiero ponerte en un apuro, pero necesito el dinero.
B2I don't want to put you in a tight spot, but I need the money.
hurry
Also: haste
📝 In Action
No tengo apuro, podemos hablar más tarde.
A2I'm in no hurry, we can talk later.
Caminaba con mucho apuro por la calle.
B1He was walking down the street in a great rush.
I hurry
Also: I finish off
📝 In Action
Siempre apuro el café antes de salir.
B2I always finish off my coffee before leaving.
Si no me apuro, voy a perder el tren.
B1If I don't hurry up, I'm going to miss the train.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
present
imperfect
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "apuro" in Spanish:
embarrassment→haste→hurry→i hurry→predicament→tight spot→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: apuro
Question 1 of 1
What does 'Me sacó de un apuro' mean?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the word 'puro' (pure). To 'apurar' originally meant to clean or refine something. Over time, the idea of refining something to its limit evolved into 'exhausting' it or 'pressing' someone, which led to the modern meanings of being in a rush or a tight spot.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'apuro' different from 'prisa'?
Yes and no. Both can mean 'hurry,' but 'apuro' also means a 'predicament' or 'trouble,' which 'prisa' does not.
Can 'apuro' be a verb?
Yes, 'apuro' is the form used when I am the one doing the action right now: 'Yo apuro' (I hurry or I finish up).