Inklingo

How to Say "to rush" in Spanish

English → Spanish

volar

/boh-LAHR//boˈlaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'volar' when describing something moving or passing extremely quickly, often used figuratively for time or events.
A cartoon rabbit running extremely fast across a grassy field, shown with exaggerated motion lines indicating high speed.

Examples

El tiempo vuela cuando te diviertes.

Time flies when you're having fun.

El tiempo vuela en estas vacaciones.

Time flies on this vacation.

Las entradas para el concierto volaron en una hora.

The tickets for the concert sold out (flew) in an hour.

Ten cuidado, ese plato va a volar de la mesa.

Be careful, that plate is going to fly off the table (due to wind/speed).

Impersonal Subject

When referring to time passing, 'tiempo' (time) is the subject that is flying: 'El tiempo vuela'.

viajar

vee-ah-HAR/bjaˈxaɾ/

verbC1formal/abstract
Use 'viajar' to describe figurative or abstract fast movement, often applied to abstract concepts like light or ideas, or in a more formal context for rapid progression.
A simple illustration of a small, colorful speaker broadcasting vibrant, curved lines representing sound waves propagating outwards across a flat surface.

Examples

La noticia viajó rápidamente por todo el país.

The news rushed/traveled quickly throughout the country.

La luz viaja a una velocidad increíble.

Light travels at an incredible speed.

Al leer, mi mente viaja a otros siglos.

When reading, my mind travels to other centuries.

Figurative vs. Literal Speed

Learners often confuse 'volar' and 'viajar' because both can describe fast movement. Remember that 'volar' is more common for the feeling of time passing quickly or things happening in a flash, while 'viajar' is often used for abstract concepts or information moving rapidly.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.