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rápida

/RRAH-pee-dah/

fast

A cartoon rabbit running at high speed across a green field, with visible motion lines indicating great swiftness.

Rápida (fast) describes something moving at high speed, like this sprinting rabbit.

rápida(adjective)

fA1

fast

?

high speed

,

quick

?

short duration

Also:

rapid

?

formal or technical usage

📝 In Action

Ella es una corredora muy rápida.

A1

She is a very fast runner.

Necesito una respuesta rápida antes del mediodía.

A2

I need a quick answer before noon.

La caída de la bolsa fue más rápida de lo que esperaban.

B1

The market crash was faster than they expected.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • veloz (swift)
  • ágil (agile, quick)

Antonyms

  • lenta (slow (feminine))
  • pausada (measured, slow)

Common Collocations

  • una solución rápida – a quick solution
  • velocidad rápida – high speed

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

Since 'rápida' is an adjective, you must use this feminine form when describing a person, place, or thing that is also feminine (like 'la casa rápida' or 'la reacción rápida').

Masculine Form

If you are describing a masculine noun (like 'el coche' or 'el perro'), you must use the masculine form: 'rápido'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting Gender Match

Mistake: "El tren es muy rápida."

Correction: El tren es muy rápido. (Since 'tren' is masculine, the adjective must be 'rápido'.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser' (es) when talking about someone's natural characteristic ('Ella es rápida'). Use 'estar' (está) to describe how a temporary action is going ('La conexión está rápida hoy').

A turbulent section of a river showing foamy white water crashing over large rocks, characteristic of a river rapid.

Rápida (rapid) can also refer to a section of a river where the water flows violently.

rápida(noun)

fB2

rapid

?

section of a river

Also:

whitewater

?

area of turbulent water

📝 In Action

Tuvimos que remar con fuerza para cruzar la rápida.

B2

We had to paddle hard to cross the rapid.

Las rápidas del río son peligrosas en primavera.

C1

The rapids of the river are dangerous in spring.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • torrente (torrent)

Antonyms

  • remanso (still water, backwater)

Common Collocations

  • navegar las rápidas – to navigate the rapids

💡 Grammar Points

Context is Key

When 'rápida' is used with the article 'la' or 'una', and refers to a geographical feature, it means 'a rapid' (the turbulent part of a river).

⭐ Usage Tips

Plural Form

The plural form 'las rápidas' is very common when talking about an area known for whitewater rafting or canoeing.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: rápida

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'rápida' to mean 'quick'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

rápido(fast (masculine adjective/adverb)) - adjective
rapidez(speed, swiftness) - noun
rápidamente(quickly, fast (adverb)) - adverb

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).