velocidad
/beh-loh-see-DAHD/
speed
When referring to the rate of motion, velocidad means speed, like this fast-running rabbit.
velocidad(noun)
speed
?rate of motion
,velocity
?technical/scientific
pace
?rate of walking/running
📝 In Action
El límite de velocidad en esta calle es de 50 kilómetros por hora.
A2The speed limit on this street is 50 kilometers per hour.
El corredor aumentó su velocidad en la última vuelta.
B1The runner increased his speed on the last lap.
Tienes que bajar la velocidad antes de tomar la curva.
A2You have to reduce your speed before taking the curve.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Even though it ends in 'd,' remember to always use the feminine article: 'la velocidad' and 'mucha velocidad'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Noun and Adjective
Mistake: "Using *velocidad* when you should use the adjective *rápido*. E.g., 'El coche es velocidad.'"
Correction: Use the adjective *rápido*: 'El coche es rápido' (The car is fast). *Velocidad* is the thing (speed/the rate), not the description (fast).
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Speed
You often talk about speed using the preposition 'a': 'Conduce a una velocidad increíble' (He drives at an incredible speed).
Velocidad can also refer to the rate of operation or execution, such as a machine working at a high rate to process tasks.
velocidad(noun)
rate
?rate of operation or execution
,pace
?pace of work or growth
throughput
?computing/technical
📝 In Action
La velocidad de procesamiento de este nuevo chip es asombrosa.
B1The processing speed of this new chip is astonishing.
Necesitamos aumentar la velocidad de respuesta al cliente.
B2We need to increase the speed (rate) of customer response.
El director notó que la velocidad del proyecto era muy baja.
B2The director noticed that the project's pace was very slow.
💡 Grammar Points
Business Contexts
In professional contexts, 'velocidad' often refers to the efficiency or quickness with which a task is completed, like 'time to market' or 'data transfer rate'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: velocidad
Question 1 of 2
Which phrase describes a physical restriction on movement?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'velocidad' feminine?
Spanish nouns ending in the suffix -dad (like 'ciudad,' 'libertad,' 'calidad') are almost always feminine. This pattern is very reliable, so remember 'la velocidad'.
Can I use 'velocidad' and 'rapidez' interchangeably?
Usually, yes. They both mean 'speed' or 'quickness.' However, 'velocidad' is often preferred when referring to a measurable rate (like a car's speed or internet bandwidth), while 'rapidez' often emphasizes the quality of being quick or swift in general.