How do you say "How to say 'Hurry up' in slang" in Castilian Spanish?

In Castilian Spanish (as spoken in Spain), you say Venga . Encouraging a slow friend to move faster in the Metro.

What is the most common mistake learners make with "Venga"?

Using 'date prisa' which is fine but less 'Madrileño' than a sharp 'venga'. Understanding this distinction is key to sounding natural in Spain.

Is "Venga" used the same way in Spain and Latin America?

No — this expression is specific to Madrid and central Spain. Latin American Spanish uses different words for this concept.

How to say 'Hurry up' in slang in Spanish

Local Usage

The Local Way to Say It

Forget your textbook Spanish for a moment, because when a Madrileño wants to tell you to "hurry up," they'll most likely hit you with a sharp, versatile "¡Venga!" This isn't just "come on" – it's an urgent, friendly nudge. You'll hear it constantly: encouraging a slow friend, getting a waiter's attention, or simply moving things along. It’s part of the city’s rhythm. Imagine your friend is dawdling, and the metro is pulling into the station. You'd instinctively say, "¡Venga, venga, que se nos va el metro!" (Hurry up, hurry up, the metro's leaving us!). Or maybe you're at the bar, trying to decide what to order, and the bartender prompts, "Venga, ¿qué vas a tomar?" (Come on, what are you going to have?). It's the quintessential Madrileño way to inject a little urgency or encouragement.

Grammar

The 'Grammar Math'

At its core, "venga" is the first-person singular (usted), or third-person singular (él/ella) present subjunctive form of the verb "venir" (to come). But in this context, it functions as a powerful interjection, an informal yet effective imperative. Think of it less as a conjugated verb and more as a standalone command.Venir (to come)
↓
Present Subjunctive (usted/él/ella)
↓
= Venga
↓
Used as Interjection
↓
Meaning: "Hurry up!" / "Come on!"
It's a fixed expression, so you don't need to worry about conjugating it for different people when using it this way. Just deploy "¡Venga!" when you need to speed things up!

Madrid Life

Madrid Context

Picture this: you're navigating the bustling Atocha Renfe station, trying to catch your high-speed AVE train, and your friend is captivated by a souvenir shop. Or perhaps you're in the labyrinthine streets of La Latina on a Sunday, trying to keep up with a local as they dart between tapas bars. This is exactly where "¡Venga!" shines. You'd use it in the crowded Metro at Sol during rush hour, urging your friend through the turnstiles. Or on a spontaneous night out in Malasaña, gently pushing your group towards the next watering hole before it gets too packed. It's the sound of Madrid's pulse – quick, direct, and always on the move.

Castilian

The Castilian Tip

Many Spanish learners naturally default to "¡Date prisa!" when they want to say "hurry up," and while perfectly correct, it sounds a bit more formal or generic in Madrid. "¡Venga!" is the distinctly Madrileño, more informal, and sharper alternative. Learners often stick to "date prisa" because it's taught as the standard imperative and is universally understood across the Spanish-speaking world. However, to truly sound like a local, "¡Venga!" is your go-to. When delivering it in Madrid, it's often quick and with a slightly rising, almost clipped intonation – a short, sharp burst of urgency that conveys the message without needing extra words. It's less about a specific sound change and more about the energetic delivery.

How to say 'Hurry up' in slang in Castilian Spanish

The Local Way to Say It

The 'Grammar Math'

Madrid Context

The Castilian Tip

Practice "Venga" With Your Voice

Frequently Asked Questions