How to Say "urgent" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “urgent” is “urgente” — use 'urgente' when you need to emphasize that something requires immediate attention or action, often with a specific deadline.
urgente
oor-HEN-tehuɾˈxente
Examples
Necesito una respuesta urgente antes de las tres.
I need an urgent answer before three o'clock.
Es un asunto urgente, por favor, llama a la oficina central ahora mismo.
It is an urgent matter; please call the main office right now.
La junta de seguridad emitió advertencias urgentes sobre el clima.
The safety board issued urgent warnings about the weather.
Gender-Neutral Adjective
Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'urgente' is used for both masculine and feminine words without changing its ending: 'una carta urgente' (feminine) and 'un informe urgente' (masculine).
Pluralization Requirement
Mistake: “Using the singular form for plural nouns: 'dos cosas urgente'.”
Correction: Always add -s for plural nouns: 'dos cosas urgentes'. Remember, adjectives must match the noun's number (singular/plural).
inmediato
een-meh-dee-AH-tohinmeˈðjato
Examples
Necesitamos una respuesta inmediata.
We need an immediate answer.
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).
prioritario
pree-oh-ree-tah-ryohpɾjoɾiˈtaɾjo
Examples
Este proyecto es prioritario para la empresa.
This project is a priority for the company.
Debemos dar atención prioritaria a las personas mayores.
We must give priority attention to elderly people.
El gobierno ha definido sus objetivos prioritarios para este año.
The government has defined its priority objectives for this year.
Placement after the noun
In Spanish, you usually put 'prioritario' after the person or thing you are describing, like 'un asunto prioritario' (a priority matter).
Matching gender and number
The ending changes to 'prioritaria' for feminine words and adds an 's' for plurals (prioritarios/prioritarias).
Adjective vs. Noun
Mistake: “Esto es una prioritario.”
Correction: Esto es una prioridad (noun) or Esto es prioritario (adjective). Use 'prioridad' for 'the priority' and 'prioritario' for 'is a priority'.
imperativo
eem-peh-rah-TEE-bohimpeɾaˈtiβo
Examples
Es imperativo que tomemos una decisión hoy mismo.
It is imperative that we make a decision this very day.
Me habló con un tono imperativo que me molestó.
He spoke to me with a commanding tone that annoyed me.
La protección del medio ambiente es un deber imperativo.
Protecting the environment is a mandatory duty.
Word Ending Changes
Since this is an adjective, it must match the noun it describes. Use 'imperativo' for masculine things and 'imperativa' for feminine things.
Confusing 'Urgent' with 'Bossy'
Mistake: “Using 'imperativo' only for bossy people.”
Correction: Remember it mostly means something is 'unavoidable' or 'urgent' in formal Spanish.
Urgent vs. Immediate
Related Translations
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