How to Say "quick" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “quick” is “rápido” — use 'rápido' to describe something that moves fast or takes a short amount of time, like a vehicle or a process.
rápido
Examples
El tren es muy rápido.
The train is very fast.
pronto
PRON-tohˈpɾon.to
Examples
Estoy pronto para salir.
I am ready to leave.
Ella es una mujer pronta y decidida.
She is a quick and decisive woman.
Dieron una pronta respuesta a nuestra solicitud.
They gave a quick response to our request.
An Adjective That Changes
When 'pronto' is an adjective meaning 'ready' or 'quick', it describes a person or thing. This means it has to change to match what it's describing: 'pronto' (masculine), 'pronta' (feminine), 'prontos' (masculine plural), 'prontas' (feminine plural).
Forgetting to Change the Ending
Mistake: “La comida está pronto.”
Correction: La comida está pronta. Because 'comida' is a feminine word, the adjective describing it must also be feminine.
ligero
li-HEH-rohliˈxe.ɾo
Examples
Es un corredor muy ligero; ganó la carrera fácilmente.
He is a very fast runner; he won the race easily.
Necesitamos tomar una decisión ligera sobre esto.
We need to make a quick decision about this.
Adverbial Form
To say something is done 'quickly' or 'lightly' (the adverb), you usually use the feminine form of the adjective plus '-mente': 'ligeramente'.
veloz
beh-LOHSbeˈlos
Examples
El guepardo es el animal más veloz del mundo.
The cheetah is the fastest animal in the world.
Necesitamos una respuesta veloz para resolver este problema.
We need a quick response to solve this problem.
Su veloz recuperación sorprendió a todos los doctores.
His speedy recovery surprised all the doctors.
One Form for All
This word doesn't care about gender! Whether you're talking about a man (un hombre veloz) or a woman (una mujer veloz), the word stays exactly the same.
The Z to C Rule
In Spanish, when words ending in 'z' become plural (referring to more than one thing), the 'z' changes to a 'c' before adding 'es'. So, 'veloz' becomes 'veloces'.
The 'Veloza' Error
Mistake: “La gata es veloza.”
Correction: La gata es veloz. 'Veloz' does not have a feminine form ending in 'a'.
Spelling the Plural
Mistake: “Los coches son velozes.”
Correction: Los coches son veloces. Always use 'c' when making this word plural.
acelerado
ah-seh-leh-rah-dohaθeleˈɾaðo
Examples
Llevo un ritmo de vida muy acelerado.
I lead a very fast-paced lifestyle.
El desarrollo de la tecnología es muy acelerado.
The development of technology is very rapid.
Su pulso estaba acelerado después de correr.
His pulse was fast after running.
Matching the Noun
This word needs to match the gender and number of what you're describing. Use 'acelerado' for masculine things (un ritmo) and 'acelerada' for feminine things (una vida).
Describing Processes
When describing a process that is moving faster than expected, use 'acelerado' rather than just 'rápido' to emphasize the increase in speed.
Confusing with 'Fast'
Mistake: “El coche es acelerado.”
Correction: El coche es rápido.
breve
breh-vehˈbɾeβe
Examples
Hagamos una pausa breve antes de continuar.
Let's take a brief pause before continuing.
Su discurso fue muy breve y directo.
His speech was very short and direct.
En breve, te explico el plan.
In short, I'll explain the plan to you. (Common phrase: 'en breve')
Agreement Rule
Unlike many adjectives, 'breve' doesn't change between masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'un momento breve' and 'una carta breve'). It only changes for plural: 'breves'.
Confusing Time vs. Physical Length
Mistake: “Usar 'breve' para describir la longitud física de un objeto (e.g., *La mesa es breve*).”
Correction: Use 'corto' for physical length (e.g., 'La mesa es corta') and reserve 'breve' mostly for time or abstract length (like a speech or summary).
presto
PRESS-tohˈpɾesto
Examples
El equipo está presto para el inicio del torneo.
The team is ready for the start of the tournament.
Siempre está presto a colaborar con nosotros.
He is always ready/willing to collaborate with us.
Dio una respuesta presta y eficaz.
He gave a quick and effective answer.
Matching the Noun
Since this is an adjective, it must match the person. Use 'presto' for a man and 'presta' for a woman.
Confusing with 'Ready' (Listo)
Mistake: “Estoy presto para ir al cine.”
Correction: Estoy listo para ir al cine. (Presto sounds way too dramatic/formal for going to the movies).
Rápido vs. Pronto
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