As soon as possible
in SpanishLo antes posible
/loh AHN-tess poh-SEE-bleh/
This is the most standard and widely used way to say "as soon as possible" in Spanish. It's appropriate for almost any situation, from business emails to casual requests with friends.
When you need something done right away in a professional setting, you can ask for it 'lo antes posible'.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Cuanto antes
/KWAN-toh AHN-tess/
A very common and slightly more concise alternative to "lo antes posible." It carries the exact same meaning and can be used interchangeably in most contexts, both spoken and written.
Lo más pronto posible
/loh mahs PRON-toh poh-SEE-bleh/
This is another very common variation that's almost identical in meaning to "lo antes posible." Some speakers feel it adds a tiny bit more emphasis on speed, as "pronto" means "soon" or "promptly."
En cuanto puedas / pueda
/en KWAN-toh PWEH-dahs / PWEH-dah/
This translates to "as soon as you can." It's a softer, more considerate way to express urgency because it acknowledges the other person's schedule. Use "puedas" for informal 'you' (tú) and "pueda" for formal 'you' (usted).
Tan pronto como sea posible
/tahn PRON-toh KOH-moh SEH-ah poh-SEE-bleh/
This is a more literal, word-for-word translation of "as soon as possible." It's grammatically perfect but can sound a bit more formal or even slightly stiff compared to other options.
A la brevedad posible
/ah lah breh-veh-DAHD poh-SEE-bleh/
A very formal and professional-sounding phrase often found in business correspondence, legal documents, and official announcements. It's closer to "at your earliest convenience."
Para ya
/PAH-rah YAH/
This is a very direct and informal way to say "for right now" or "immediately." It's much stronger and more demanding than "as soon as possible" and can sound rude depending on the tone.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best phrase for your situation based on formality and context.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lo antes posible | Neutral | General, all-purpose use in almost any situation. | Never wrong, but other options can be more specific or polite. |
| Cuanto antes | Neutral | A concise and very common alternative to the primary phrase. | It's very versatile, so there are few situations to avoid it. |
| En cuanto puedas/pueda | Informal/Formal | Making a polite request that acknowledges the other person's time. | A situation is a critical, non-negotiable emergency. |
| A la brevedad posible | Formal | Official business correspondence, legal letters, and formal announcements. | Speaking with friends, family, or in any casual setting. |
| Para ya | Informal | Urgent, informal commands to people you know very well. | Any professional, formal, or polite conversation. |
📈Difficulty Level
The sounds are fairly straightforward for English speakers. The main challenge might be pronouncing 'posible' as 'poh-SEE-bleh' instead of 'poss-i-bull'.
Most of these are fixed phrases, so you just need to memorize them. The only grammatical challenge is choosing between 'puedas' (tú) and 'pueda' (usted) in 'en cuanto puedas/pueda'.
The real difficulty lies here. Choosing the wrong phrase can make you sound rude, demanding, or overly formal. Understanding the context is crucial.
Key Challenges:
- Choosing the correct formality level for the situation.
- Avoiding the demanding tone of 'para ya' in polite contexts.
- Remembering the subtle differences between the main neutral options.
💡Examples in Action
Por favor, necesito los documentos lo antes posible.
Please, I need the documents as soon as possible.
Avísame cuanto antes si vas a venir a la fiesta.
Let me know as soon as possible if you're coming to the party.
Le agradeceríamos que nos enviara la factura a la brevedad posible.
We would appreciate it if you could send us the invoice at your earliest convenience.
Llámame en cuanto puedas, por favor. Es algo importante.
Call me as soon as you can, please. It's something important.
¡Limpia este desastre para ya!
Clean this mess up right now!
🌍Cultural Context
The Flexibility of 'Now'
In English, "now" is very immediate. In Spanish, words like 'ahora' or 'ahorita' can mean 'right now,' 'in a little while,' or even 'later today.' Using phrases like 'lo antes posible' or 'cuanto antes' removes this ambiguity and clearly communicates urgency.
Formality Signals Respect
Choosing between a neutral phrase like 'lo antes posible' and a very formal one like 'a la brevedad posible' is significant. Using the formal version in business shows respect and professionalism, while using it with a friend would sound strange and distant.
Softening the Request
While the phrase itself expresses urgency, it's very common in Spanish-speaking cultures to soften the request by adding 'por favor' (please) or framing it politely, such as 'Te agradecería si...' ('I would appreciate it if...'). This balances the urgency with politeness.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Literal Translation
Mistake: "Trying to translate word-for-word, resulting in something like 'como pronto como posible'."
Correction: Use a set phrase like 'lo antes posible' or 'cuanto antes'.
Using 'Para Ya' in the Wrong Context
Mistake: "Saying 'Necesito el informe para ya' to your boss."
Correction: Necesito el informe lo antes posible, por favor.
Confusing 'Pronto' with 'Temprano'
Mistake: "Saying 'Necesito la respuesta temprano'."
Correction: Necesito la respuesta pronto (or lo antes posible).
💡Pro Tips
Always Add 'Por Favor'
When making a request with 'lo antes posible,' it's almost always a good idea to add 'por favor' (please). This simple word turns a demand into a polite request, which will get you much better results.
Match the Medium
For formal emails, 'A la brevedad posible' or 'Tan pronto como sea posible' are excellent choices. For a quick WhatsApp message to a friend, 'cuanto antes' or 'en cuanto puedas' is more natural and friendly.
'Cuanto Antes' is Your Swiss Army Knife
If you're ever unsure which phrase to use, 'cuanto antes' is a fantastic default. It's concise, universally understood, and fits perfectly in both formal and informal contexts. It's hard to go wrong with it.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
'Cuanto antes' is extremely prevalent in both casual and professional settings in Spain. It's often used as a standalone response: '¿Cuándo lo quieres?' - 'Cuanto antes.' ('When do you want it?' - 'ASAP.')
Mexico
While all variations are understood, 'lo más pronto posible' feels very natural and is heard frequently in everyday conversation and work environments. The formal 'a la brevedad' is standard in corporate and government communication.
Argentina
The phrases themselves are standard, but the unique 'Rioplatense' accent and intonation change how they feel. A request can sound more relaxed or more insistent based purely on the delivery.
📱Texting & Social Media
As soon as possible
Used frequently in informal texts and work chats, especially among bilingual speakers or in international business.
Hey, me mandas el link ASAP?
Hey, can you send me the link ASAP?
lo antes posible
A very informal abbreviation seen in quick texts among friends. The '+' symbol is read as 'más', but here it implies 'antes'.
necesito eso lo + posible
i need that as soon as possible
💬What Comes Next?
After you ask for something 'lo antes posible'
Claro, me pongo con ello ahora mismo.
Of course, I'll get on it right now.
¡Muchas gracias! Te lo agradezco.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it.
You make a polite request with 'en cuanto pueda'
Por supuesto. Lo tendré listo esta tarde.
Of course. I'll have it ready this afternoon.
Perfecto, muchas gracias por tu ayuda.
Perfect, thank you very much for your help.
🧠Memory Tricks
The English word 'ante' (like in poker) means 'before' or 'price of entry.' Connecting 'antes' to this idea of 'before' can help you remember you want it done before other tasks.
Connecting 'cuanto' (how much/many) to the idea of minimizing the quantity of time helps lock in the meaning of 'as soon as possible'.
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, dropping 'ASAP' into an email can sometimes feel abrupt or demanding. In Spanish business culture, while urgency is understood, it's often more heavily cushioned with polite language like 'Le agradecería si...' ('I would appreciate it if...') before stating the need for something 'a la brevedad posible.' The politeness framework around the urgent request is often more explicit than in English.
The Spanish phrase 'para ya' is significantly more direct and demanding than the English 'ASAP' or 'right now.' While 'right now' can be a neutral statement of time, 'para ya' functions almost exclusively as a command and implies impatience.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say 'I need...'
This is the most common way to start a sentence before you say 'as soon as possible'.
How to say 'please' in Spanish
Adding 'por favor' is essential for making your urgent request polite.
How to say 'It's urgent'
This phrase, 'Es urgente,' is a direct way to communicate the importance of your request.
How to say 'Don't worry'
A good phrase to know if someone seems stressed by your 'ASAP' request.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: As soon as possible
Question 1 of 3
You are writing a formal legal request to another company. Which phrase is most appropriate?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'lo antes posible' and 'cuanto antes'?
Honestly, there's very little difference in meaning. They are used interchangeably by native speakers. 'Cuanto antes' is slightly more concise, and some people feel it's a bit more direct, but you can use either one in almost any situation without a problem.
Can I just use the English 'ASAP' when speaking or texting in Spanish?
Yes, you can, and many people do, especially in business or among younger, bilingual speakers. It's widely understood. However, using a Spanish equivalent like 'cuanto antes' will always make you sound more fluent and natural.
Is 'lo más pronto posible' more common in certain countries?
Yes, while it's understood everywhere, you'll hear 'lo más pronto posible' quite frequently in Mexico and some other parts of Latin America. It's a perfectly natural and common alternative to 'lo antes posible'.
How do I make my 'ASAP' request sound less demanding?
The key is to frame it politely. Start with 'Por favor' (Please), use a softer verb like '¿Podrías...?' (Could you...?), or use the phrase 'en cuanto puedas' (as soon as you can), which shows consideration for their schedule.
When would I ever use 'a la brevedad posible'?
Reserve this for your most formal written communication. Think of contexts like applying for a job, communicating with a government agency, writing a formal complaint, or corresponding with a client in a very traditional industry. It's the written equivalent of wearing a suit and tie.
Is 'para ya' really that rude?
It can be! It all depends on the context, your tone, and your relationship with the person. From a boss to an employee, it can be a neutral command. Between friends in an urgent moment, it's fine. But in a polite request, it comes across as very impatient and demanding.
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