How to Say “Hurry Up” in Arabic
The Most Common Phrase: أسرع (Asri‘)
أسرع (pronounced “Asri‘”) is the most straightforward and widely understood way to say “hurry up” in Arabic. This imperative verb directly translates to “be fast” or “speed up.” You can use this phrase in most situations, whether you’re talking to friends, family, or strangers.
Other Useful Variations
- يلا بسرعة (Yalla bisur‘a): “Yalla” is a colloquial term meaning “come on” or “let’s go,” and “bisur‘a” means “quickly.” Combined, this phrase is very commonly used across the Arab world and is both casual and friendly.
- تعال بسرعة (Ta‘al bisur‘a): This means “come quickly.” Use this when you want someone to come to you fast.
- عجّل (Ajjil): This is another imperative verb that also means “hurry.” It’s slightly more formal than “yalla” but still widely used.
Regional Differences in Saying “Hurry Up”
Arabic is spoken in many countries, and each region has its own dialect and expressions. Here are some popular regional variations:
- Egyptian Arabic: “يلا بسرعة” (Yalla bisur‘a) or simply “يلا” (Yalla) is extremely common.
- Levantine Arabic (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine): “يلا بسرعة” (Yalla bisur‘a) or “عجّل” (Ajjil).
- Gulf Arabic: “يلا بسرعة” (Yalla bisur‘a) or “سريع” (Saree‘) for “fast.”
- Moroccan Arabic (Darija): “سير بسرعة” (Sir bsur‘a) or “يلا” (Yalla).
When and How to Use These Phrases
- With Friends or Family: “Yalla” or “yalla bisur‘a” is casual and friendly, perfect for informal settings.
- In Formal Situations: Use “Asri‘” or “Ajjil” when you need to be more polite or in professional contexts.
- To Strangers: Pair the phrase with a polite tone and body language to avoid sounding rude.
Tips for Sounding Natural
- Pay attention to your tone. Using these phrases with a gentle or encouraging voice makes them sound less demanding.
- Use gestures, such as hand motions, to reinforce your words—this is common in many Arab cultures.
- Practice common combinations, like “Yalla, yalla!” for extra emphasis.
Common Situations to Use “Hurry Up” in Arabic
- When someone is running late: “Yalla, we’re going to be late!”
- Encouraging children to get ready: “Asri‘, the bus is here!”
- During group activities: “Ajjil, let’s start!”
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master these phrases is through practice and immersion. Try using them in conversation with native speakers or language partners. Apps like Talkpal can help you practice pronunciation and context, making your Arabic sound more natural and confident.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “hurry up” in Arabic is a valuable addition to your vocabulary, whether for travel, work, or daily interactions. By understanding the different phrases, regional variations, and proper usage, you’ll be able to communicate urgency effectively and naturally. For more tips, resources, and personalized learning experiences, check out the Talkpal – AI language learning blog and take your Arabic skills to the next level!
