rápida
“rápida” means “fast” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
fast, quick
Also: rapid
📝 In Action
Ella es una corredora muy rápida.
A1She is a very fast runner.
Necesito una respuesta rápida antes del mediodía.
A2I need a quick answer before noon.
La caída de la bolsa fue más rápida de lo que esperaban.
B1The market crash was faster than they expected.
rapid
Also: whitewater
📝 In Action
Tuvimos que remar con fuerza para cruzar la rápida.
B2We had to paddle hard to cross the rapid.
Las rápidas del río son peligrosas en primavera.
C1The rapids of the river are dangerous in spring.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "rápida" in Spanish:
whitewater→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: rápida
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'rápida' to mean 'quick'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *rapidus*, which meant 'rushing' or 'swift.' It has maintained its core meaning of high speed throughout its history.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether to use 'rápida' or 'rápido'?
You must check the gender of the person or thing you are describing. If it is feminine (like 'la mujer' or 'la idea'), use 'rápida'. If it is masculine (like 'el hombre' or 'el autobús'), use 'rápido'.
Can 'rápida' be used as an adverb (like 'quickly' in English)?
No. To say 'quickly' in Spanish, you must use the adverb form, which is almost always 'rápidamente'. For example: 'Ella corre rápidamente' (She runs quickly).