Inklingo
← Dictionary

rápido

RRA-pee-doh'ra.pi.ðo

“rápido” means “fast” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

fast, quick

Also: rapid
A bright red bullet train speeding across a green landscape.

📝 In Action

El tren es muy rápido.

A1

The train is very fast.

Necesito una solución rápida.

A2

I need a quick solution.

Fue un desayuno rápido porque teníamos prisa.

B1

It was a quick breakfast because we were in a hurry.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • lento (slow)
  • pausado (unhurried, deliberate)

Common Collocations

  • comida rápida – fast food
  • acceso rápido – quick access
  • crecimiento rápido – rapid growth

quickly, fast

Spain
A small child quickly placing the final block on a very tall tower of colorful blocks.

📝 In Action

¡Ven rápido, por favor!

A2

Come quickly, please!

Ella aprende muy rápido.

A2

She learns very quickly.

Si terminas rápido, podemos ir al cine.

B1

If you finish quickly, we can go to the movies.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • rápidamente (quickly)
  • deprisa (quickly, in a hurry)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • hablar rápido – to speak quickly
  • actuar rápido – to act quickly
  • pasar rápido (el tiempo) – to go by quickly (time)

🔀 Commonly Confused With

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: rápido

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
rapidez(speed, quickness) — Noun
rápidamente(quickly, rapidly) — Adverb
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word `rapidus`, which meant 'seizing' or 'carrying away forcefully'. This idea of a forceful, unstoppable movement evolved into our modern meaning of high speed.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: rapidFrench: rapideItalian: rapidoPortuguese: rápido

💡 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

What is the difference between `rápido` and `rápidamente`?

They both mean 'quickly' and are often interchangeable. `Rápido` is a very common shortcut used in everyday conversation. `Rápidamente` is the more 'official' adverb and is great for writing or more formal speech. You can use either one to describe how an action is done.

When do I use `rápido` vs. `rápida`?

It depends on its job in the sentence. If it's describing a person or thing (an adjective), it must match: `un coche rápido` (masculine), `una decisión rápida` (feminine). If it's describing an action (an adverb), it always stays `rápido`: `Él corre rápido`, `Ella corre rápido`.