How to Say "speed" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “speed” is “velocidad” — use 'velocidad' for the general rate of motion, including official measurements like speed limits..
velocidad
/beh-loh-see-DAHD//be.lo.siˈðað/
Examples
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'.
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).
ritmo
REET-moh/ˈritmo/
Examples
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'.
marcha
MAR-chah/ˈmartʃa/
Examples
El coche no arranca si no pones la primera marcha.
The car won't start if you don't put it in first gear.
Tuvo que meter la quinta marcha para adelantar al camión.
He had to put it in fifth gear to pass the truck.
Naming Gears
Spanish names gears using ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.). Primera marcha, segunda marcha, tercera marcha, etc.
Mixing up 'Gear' and 'Wheel'
Mistake: “Using 'rueda' for gear.”
Correction: Use 'marcha' or sometimes 'engranaje' for gear mechanism. 'Rueda' means wheel.
leche
LEH-cheh/ˈletʃe/
Examples
El coche iba a toda leche por la autopista.
The car was going really fast (at full speed) on the highway.
Me di una leche contra la pared y ahora me duele la cabeza.
I hit (or smacked) myself against the wall and now my head hurts.
¡Qué leche! ¡Se me ha olvidado el pasaporte!
Darn it! I forgot my passport!
Use with Reflexive Verbs
To express hitting yourself, you often use 'darse una leche' (to give oneself a blow). The 'se' (reflexive pronoun) is key here.
viento
bee-EHN-toh/ˈbjen.to/
Examples
Gracias a la nueva inversión, el proyecto va viento en popa.
Thanks to the new investment, the project is smooth sailing (going well).
El corredor iba a todo viento para ganar la carrera.
The runner was going at full speed to win the race.
Figurative Use
This meaning is almost always found inside the specific idioms listed. You rarely use 'viento' alone to mean 'speed' or 'news'.
Avoid 'leche' and 'viento' for general speed
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