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How to Say "to hasten" in Spanish

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apresurar

ah-preh-soo-RAHRapɾesuˈɾaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'apresurar' when you want to make a process, action, or task happen faster, implying an effort to accelerate it.
A chef adding more wood to a fire under a boiling pot to make the water bubble faster.

Examples

Debemos apresurar la entrega del informe.

We must hasten the delivery of the report.

Debemos apresurar el trámite para obtener el pasaporte.

We must speed up the process to get the passport.

Ella apresuró el paso cuando empezó a llover.

She quickened her pace when it started to rain.

El director decidió apresurar la fecha de lanzamiento.

The director decided to move up the launch date.

Making something move faster

Use this word when you want to say you are speeding UP a task or a process. It acts directly on the object (like 'the project' or 'the pace').

Don't forget the 'a' with verbs

Mistake: “Apresuro terminar la tarea.”

Correction: Me apresuro a terminar la tarea. (If you are hurrying *to do* something, you usually use the reflexive 'apresurarse' followed by 'a').

correr

koh-REHRkoˈrer

verbA1general
Use 'correr' primarily to mean 'to run' or 'to move at a fast pace,' not typically for accelerating a process.
A simple drawing of a person running quickly across a green field under a blue sky.

Examples

El atleta corre muy rápido.

The athlete runs very fast.

Ella corre todos los días en el parque para mantenerse en forma.

She runs every day in the park to stay in shape.

Tuvimos que correr para no perder el autobús.

We had to run so we wouldn't miss the bus.

¿Podemos correr más rápido?

Can we run faster?

Correr vs. Funcionar

Use 'correr' only for movement or liquids. If a machine or system is 'running' (working), use 'funcionar'.

precipitar

pre-see-pee-TARpɾesipiˈtaɾ

verbB2formal
Use 'precipitar' when you mean to cause something to happen suddenly or sooner than anticipated, often with a sense of urgency or unexpectedness.
A chef quickly sliding a pizza into an oven while a timer rings, showing speed and urgency.

Examples

La falta de fondos podría precipitar el cierre de la empresa.

The lack of funds could hasten the company's closure.

La crisis política podría precipitar la caída del gobierno.

The political crisis could hasten the government's fall.

Sus palabras precipitaron los acontecimientos.

His words triggered the events.

El frío intenso precipitó la nieve.

The intense cold caused the snow to fall.

Direct Action Word

When you use this word to mean 'making something happen faster,' it usually takes an object (the thing being rushed).

Confusing with 'Hurry'

Mistake: “No puedes precipitar al trabajo.”

Correction: Debes usar 'precipitarse' (with 'se') when you are the one rushing yourself. Use 'precipitar' for making events happen faster.

Speeding up a process vs. Moving quickly

Learners often confuse 'apresurar' (to speed up a process) with 'correr' (to run/move quickly). Remember that 'apresurar' focuses on accelerating a task or situation, while 'correr' describes physical movement.

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