How to Say "pace" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “pace” is “paso” — use 'paso' when referring to the physical act of walking, the rhythm of one's steps, or the speed at which someone is walking..
paso
/PAH-soh//ˈpaso/
Examples
Caminamos a un paso ligero para llegar antes del anochecer.
We walked at a brisk pace to arrive before nightfall.
Con cada paso, me sentía más cerca de la meta.
With every step, I felt closer to the goal.
Cuidado con el primer paso, está resbaloso.
Be careful with the first step, it's slippery.
Oí sus pasos en el pasillo.
I heard his footsteps in the hallway.
ritmo
REET-moh/ˈritmo/
Examples
El ritmo de crecimiento de la empresa ha sido impresionante este año.
The pace of the company's growth has been impressive this year.
Estamos trabajando a un ritmo muy rápido para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.
We are working at a very fast pace to finish the project on time.
Necesitas reducir el ritmo si quieres terminar la carrera.
You need to slow down the pace if you want to finish the race.
El ritmo de vida en la ciudad es agotador.
The pace of life in the city is exhausting.
Using Prepositions
When talking about the speed or rate, 'ritmo' is usually preceded by 'a' (at a certain pace) or 'de' (the pace of something). For example: 'Trabajar A un buen ritmo' or 'El ritmo DE crecimiento'.
Using 'velocidad' instead of 'ritmo'
Mistake: “Usar 'la velocidad de vida' para referirse al ritmo de vida.”
Correction: While 'velocidad' is speed, 'ritmo' is the better word for the general feeling or consistency of life or work. Use 'el ritmo de vida'.
velocidad
/beh-loh-see-DAHD//be.lo.siˈðað/
Examples
La velocidad a la que se mueve el corredor es increíble.
The pace at which the runner moves is incredible.
El límite de velocidad en esta calle es de 50 kilómetros por hora.
The speed limit on this street is 50 kilometers per hour.
El corredor aumentó su velocidad en la última vuelta.
The runner increased his speed on the last lap.
Tienes que bajar la velocidad antes de tomar la curva.
You have to reduce your speed before taking the curve.
Always Feminine
Even though it ends in 'd,' remember to always use the feminine article: 'la velocidad' and 'mucha velocidad'.
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'.
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).
marcha
MAR-chah/ˈmartʃa/
Examples
La marcha de los peregrinos era constante a lo largo del camino.
The pace of the pilgrims was constant along the path.
La marcha del ejército era lenta y coordinada.
The army's walk/pace was slow and coordinated.
Después de un largo día, regresamos a casa en marcha rápida.
After a long day, we returned home at a quick pace.
Gender Tip
Remember that 'marcha' is always feminine, even though it ends in 'a'. Use 'la marcha'.
tren
/tren//tɾen/
Examples
No estoy acostumbrado a este tren de vida tan agitado.
I'm not used to this hectic pace of life.
Lleva un tren de vida que no se puede permitir.
He leads a lifestyle that he can't afford.
Es difícil mantener este tren de trabajo sin descansar.
It's difficult to maintain this work pace without resting.
Paso vs. Ritmo vs. Velocidad
Related Translations
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