rápidamente
rah-pee-dah-MEHN-teh
📝 In Action
El niño se comió el helado rápidamente antes de que se derritiera.
A1The child quickly ate the ice cream before it melted.
Necesitamos responder a su correo electrónico lo más rápidamente posible.
A2We need to respond to their email as quickly as possible.
La tecnología avanza tan rápidamente que es difícil mantenerse al día.
B1Technology advances so rapidly that it is difficult to keep up.
💡 Grammar Points
The '-mente' Rule
This is how Spanish creates its version of the English '-ly' ending. You take the feminine form of the adjective ('rápida') and add '-mente' to it.
Adverb Placement
Adverbs usually go right after the verb they are describing, or sometimes at the very beginning or end of the sentence for emphasis.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Adjective and Adverb
Mistake: "Habló rápido sobre el tema."
Correction: Habló rápidamente sobre el tema. (While 'rápido' is often used as a short adverb in spoken Spanish, 'rápidamente' is the standard, correct form when describing a verb's action.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal Speed
Use 'rápidamente' when writing or speaking formally. If you are just telling someone to 'Come fast!', you can often just use the shorter adjective form, '¡Ven rápido!'
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: rápidamente
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses the word to describe the action of the verb?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'rápidamente' and 'deprisa'?
'Rápidamente' focuses on the speed or velocity of the action itself (He drives rapidly). 'Deprisa' (which means 'in a hurry') often focuses more on the urgency or haste of the person performing the action (They left in a hurry). They are often interchangeable, but 'rápidamente' is generally considered more formal.
Can I use 'rápido' instead of 'rápidamente'?
Yes, in everyday spoken Spanish, using 'rápido' as an adverb (e.g., 'Corre rápido') is very common and accepted, especially in Latin America. However, 'rápidamente' is the dictionary-approved, formal adverb and is always the safest choice in academic or professional writing.