Inklingo

How to Say "prompt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inmediato

een-meh-dee-AH-tohinmeˈðjato

adjectiveA2general
Use 'inmediato' when referring to something that happens or is done without delay, emphasizing the lack of time elapsed.
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 response.

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).

puntual

poon-TWAHLpunˈtwal

adjectiveA1general
Use 'puntual' when referring to someone who arrives or acts at the appointed time, emphasizing punctuality and reliability regarding a schedule.
A person standing at a front door with a gift, arriving exactly as the sun rises in the background.

Examples

Ella siempre es muy puntual en el trabajo.

She is always very punctual at work.

El tren fue muy puntual hoy.

The train was very much on time today.

Si quieres causar una buena impresión, debes llegar puntual.

If you want to make a good impression, you must arrive on time.

One Form for All

This word doesn't change based on gender. You can use 'puntual' for both men and women without changing the ending.

Adjective or Adverb?

Even though it is an adjective, it often follows verbs like 'llegar' (to arrive) to describe how someone arrived, similar to an adverb.

Confusing 'puntual' with 'a tiempo'

Mistake:La reunión es puntual.

Correction: La reunión es a las ocho en punto (or) La reunión empezó puntual.

Immediate vs. Punctual

Learners often confuse 'inmediato' and 'puntual' because both relate to time. Remember that 'inmediato' means happening right away, with no delay, while 'puntual' means on time, as scheduled.

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