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How to Say "immediate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inmediato

/een-meh-dee-AH-toh//inmeˈðjato/

adjectiveA2general
Use this word when something needs to happen or be done right away, without any delay.
A finger is pressing a large red button, and instantly, a bright yellow light bulb positioned directly above the button illuminates brightly, symbolizing immediacy.

Examples

Necesitamos una respuesta inmediata.

We need an immediate answer.

El efecto de la medicina fue inmediato.

The effect of the medicine was instantaneous.

La atención de emergencia debe ser inmediata.

Emergency care must be prompt.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'inmediato' changes its ending to match the thing it describes: 'respuesta inmediata' (feminine) or 'efecto inmediato' (masculine).

urgente

oor-HEN-teh/uɾˈxente/

adjectiveA2general
Choose this word when something requires immediate attention and action, emphasizing the critical need for speed.
A simple colorful illustration of a messenger sprinting quickly with strong motion lines, clutching a sealed red envelope, symbolizing an urgent delivery.

Examples

Necesito una respuesta urgente antes de las tres.

I need an urgent answer before three o'clock.

Es un asunto urgente, por favor, llama a la oficina central ahora mismo.

It is an urgent matter; please call the main office right now.

La junta de seguridad emitió advertencias urgentes sobre el clima.

The safety board issued urgent warnings about the weather.

Gender-Neutral Adjective

Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'urgente' is used for both masculine and feminine words without changing its ending: 'una carta urgente' (feminine) and 'un informe urgente' (masculine).

Pluralization Requirement

Mistake: “Using the singular form for plural nouns: 'dos cosas urgente'.”

Correction: Always add -s for plural nouns: 'dos cosas urgentes'. Remember, adjectives must match the noun's number (singular/plural).

directo

/dee-REK-toh//diˈɾekto/

adjectiveA1general
Use this word when referring to something that is direct, without stops or intermediaries, like a flight or a path.
A vibrant illustration showing a straight, short path leading directly to a destination, next to a much longer, curvy path, emphasizing the shortest route.

Examples

Necesito un vuelo directo a Madrid, sin escalas.

I need a direct flight to Madrid, without layovers.

Este es el camino más directo para llegar al centro.

This is the most direct road to get to the center.

La conexión fue directa y funcionó muy bien.

The connection was direct and worked very well.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'directo' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'directa' for feminine words (la ruta directa) and add '-s' for plurals (los vuelos directos).

Confusing Adjective and Adverb

Mistake: “Usar 'directo' para describir un verbo: 'Viajamos directo a la casa.'”

Correction: Use the adverb form 'directamente': 'Viajamos directamente a la casa.' (Though colloquially, 'directo' is sometimes used as an informal adverb.)

adjectiveB1general
Employ this word when referring to someone who is close in relation or proximity, like family or friends.

Examples

Solo los familiares más cercanos saben la verdad.

Only the closest relatives know the truth.

Immediate vs. Urgent

Learners often confuse 'inmediato' and 'urgente'. While both imply speed, 'inmediato' focuses on the lack of delay, whereas 'urgente' highlights the critical need for attention and action. Think of 'inmediato' as 'right now' and 'urgente' as 'critical, needs attention now!'

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