Learning how to express urgency is crucial when communicating in any language. In French, knowing how to say “hurry up” can be incredibly useful in various situations, from encouraging a friend to catch a train to prompting a colleague to finish a task.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the different ways you can say “hurry up” in French, along with explanations, examples, and practice exercises. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you master this essential phrase and use it correctly in different contexts.
This guide is perfect for students learning French, travelers who want to be prepared for various situations, and anyone looking to expand their French vocabulary and improve their fluency. By the end of this article, you will not only know multiple ways to say “hurry up” but also understand the nuances and contexts in which each expression is most appropriate.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition and Basic Translations
- Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
- Types and Categories of “Hurry Up” Expressions
- Examples of “Hurry Up” in Different Contexts
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition and Basic Translations
The phrase “hurry up” is used to express the need for someone to act more quickly. In French, there isn’t a single direct translation, but rather several expressions that convey the same meaning, each with slightly different nuances and levels of formality.
Understanding these options allows you to choose the most appropriate phrase for the situation.
Here are some of the most common ways to say “hurry up” in French:
- Dépêche-toi ! (Informal, singular)
- Dépêchez-vous ! (Formal, singular or plural)
- Fais vite ! (Informal)
- Allons-y ! (Let’s go! Can also imply “hurry up”)
- Plus vite ! (Faster!)
Each of these expressions carries a slightly different connotation. For instance, “Dépêche-toi” is a direct and informal command, while “Allons-y” is more of an encouragement to get moving.
“Plus vite!” is a simple and direct way to ask someone to increase their speed. Choosing the right phrase depends on the context, your relationship with the person you’re addressing, and the level of urgency.
Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
To fully understand how to use these phrases, it’s helpful to break down their grammatical structure. This section will focus on the two most common expressions: “Dépêche-toi” and “Dépêchez-vous.”
Dépêche-toi !
This phrase is the informal, singular imperative form of the reflexive verb se dépêcher (to hurry). Let’s break it down:
- Dépêche: This is the imperative form of the verb dépêcher (to dispatch, to hurry). In the tu form (informal singular), the -s is dropped, resulting in dépêche.
- -toi: This is the reflexive pronoun te (yourself) attached to the verb in its tonic form toi. In imperative sentences, reflexive pronouns follow the verb and are connected with a hyphen.
- !: The exclamation mark indicates urgency and emphasis.
Therefore, “Dépêche-toi !” literally translates to “Hurry yourself!” or “Make haste!”
Dépêchez-vous !
This phrase is the formal, singular or plural imperative form of the reflexive verb se dépêcher. Here’s the breakdown:
- Dépêchez: This is the imperative form of the verb dépêcher in the vous form (formal singular or plural).
- -vous: This is the reflexive pronoun vous (yourself/yourselves) attached to the verb. Again, in imperative sentences, the reflexive pronoun follows the verb and is connected with a hyphen.
- !: The exclamation mark adds emphasis.
“Dépêchez-vous !” translates to “Hurry yourself (formal)” or “Hurry yourselves!”
Understanding the structure of these phrases makes it easier to remember and use them correctly. It also provides a foundation for understanding other imperative constructions in French.
Types and Categories of “Hurry Up” Expressions
There are several ways to categorize “hurry up” expressions in French, based on formality, directness, and context. This section will explore these different categories.
Formality
The level of formality is a crucial factor when choosing the right expression. Here’s a breakdown based on formality:
- Informal: Used with friends, family, and people you know well. Examples include “Dépêche-toi,” “Fais vite,” and “Allez, bouge-toi !”
- Formal: Used with strangers, superiors, and in professional settings. Examples include “Dépêchez-vous,” and more polite requests like “Pourriez-vous vous dépêcher, s’il vous plaît ?” (Could you please hurry?).
Directness
The level of directness indicates how explicitly the phrase demands action:
- Direct: These are commands or strong suggestions. Examples include “Dépêche-toi !” and “Plus vite !”
- Indirect: These are more subtle suggestions or encouragements. Examples include “On y va !” (Let’s go!) and “Il faut se dépêcher” (We must hurry).
Context
The context in which you use the phrase also matters. Consider the situation and the reason for urging someone to hurry:
- General Urgency: Used when there is a general need to move quickly. Examples include “Dépêche-toi, on va être en retard !” (Hurry up, we’re going to be late!)
- Specific Task: Used when asking someone to speed up a specific task. Examples include “Fais vite, j’ai besoin de ce document !” (Hurry up, I need this document!)
- Encouragement: Used to motivate someone. Examples include “Allez, dépêche-toi, tu peux le faire !” (Come on, hurry up, you can do it!)
By understanding these categories, you can choose the most appropriate and effective way to say “hurry up” in any situation.
Examples of “Hurry Up” in Different Contexts
This section provides numerous examples of how to use “hurry up” expressions in various contexts. The examples are organized into tables to illustrate different scenarios and levels of formality.
Informal Situations
This table provides examples of how to say “hurry up” in informal settings, such as with friends and family.
| French Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Dépêche-toi ! | Hurry up! | General urgency, e.g., getting ready to leave |
| Fais vite ! | Do it quickly!/Hurry! | Asking someone to complete a task quickly |
| Allez, dépêche-toi ! | Come on, hurry up! | Encouragement to speed up |
| Bouge-toi ! | Move it!/Get a move on! | Impatiently urging someone to move |
| Plus vite ! | Faster! | Demanding increased speed |
| Dépêche-toi, on va rater le train ! | Hurry up, we’re going to miss the train! | Specific urgency related to timing |
| Fais vite, j’ai faim ! | Hurry up, I’m hungry! | Expressing personal impatience |
| Allez, bouge-toi, on est déjà en retard ! | Come on, move it, we’re already late! | Combining encouragement with urgency |
| Plus vite, la pizza va refroidir ! | Faster, the pizza is going to get cold! | Humorous urgency |
| Dépêche-toi, le film va commencer ! | Hurry up, the movie is going to start! | Time-specific urgency |
| Fais vite, je dois partir ! | Hurry up, I have to leave! | Expressing urgency due to personal obligations |
| Allez, dépêche-toi, tout le monde attend ! | Come on, hurry up, everyone is waiting! | Urgency due to external factors |
| Bouge-toi, il fait froid dehors ! | Move it, it’s cold outside! | Urgency related to environmental conditions |
| Plus vite, la course va bientôt commencer ! | Faster, the race is about to start! | Time-sensitive urgency |
| Dépêche-toi, il y a des soldes ! | Hurry up, there are sales! | Urgency related to a limited-time offer |
| Fais vite, je n’ai pas toute la journée ! | Hurry up, I don’t have all day! | Expressing strong impatience |
| Allez, bouge-toi, on doit y aller ! | Come on, move it, we have to go! | General urgency to leave |
| Plus vite, le bus va partir ! | Faster, the bus is going to leave! | Urgency to catch transportation |
| Dépêche-toi, le gâteau va brûler ! | Hurry up, the cake is going to burn! | Urgency to prevent damage |
| Fais vite, j’ai besoin de ton aide ! | Hurry up, I need your help! | Urgency related to a need for assistance |
Formal Situations
This table illustrates how to express “hurry up” in formal settings, such as with colleagues, superiors, or strangers.
| French Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Dépêchez-vous ! | Hurry up! (formal) | General urgency in a formal setting |
| Pourriez-vous vous dépêcher, s’il vous plaît ? | Could you please hurry? | Polite request for speed |
| Il serait préférable de se dépêcher. | It would be preferable to hurry. | Formal suggestion to increase speed |
| Nous devons nous dépêcher. | We must hurry. | Expressing a shared urgency |
| Veuillez vous dépêcher. | Please hurry. (very formal) | Extremely polite and formal request |
| Dépêchez-vous, la réunion va bientôt commencer. | Hurry up, the meeting is about to start. | Time-sensitive urgency in a professional context |
| Pourriez-vous vous dépêcher de terminer ce rapport, s’il vous plaît ? | Could you please hurry to finish this report? | Polite request for task completion |
| Il serait préférable de se dépêcher pour respecter les délais. | It would be preferable to hurry to meet the deadlines. | Formal suggestion related to deadlines |
| Nous devons nous dépêcher pour atteindre nos objectifs. | We must hurry to achieve our goals. | Expressing urgency related to shared objectives |
| Veuillez vous dépêcher de répondre à cette demande. | Please hurry to respond to this request. | Formal request for prompt response |
| Dépêchez-vous, le client attend votre appel. | Hurry up, the client is waiting for your call. | Urgency related to customer service |
| Pourriez-vous vous dépêcher d’envoyer ce courriel, s’il vous plaît ? | Could you please hurry to send this email? | Polite request for email dispatch |
| Il serait préférable de se dépêcher pour éviter tout retard. | It would be preferable to hurry to avoid any delays. | Formal suggestion to prevent delays |
| Nous devons nous dépêcher pour terminer ce projet à temps. | We must hurry to finish this project on time. | Expressing urgency related to project completion |
| Veuillez vous dépêcher de traiter cette facture. | Please hurry to process this invoice. | Formal request for invoice processing |
| Dépêchez-vous, le directeur veut vous voir immédiatement. | Hurry up, the manager wants to see you immediately. | Urgency related to a manager’s request |
| Pourriez-vous vous dépêcher de préparer cette présentation, s’il vous plaît ? | Could you please hurry to prepare this presentation? | Polite request for presentation preparation |
| Il serait préférable de se dépêcher pour résoudre ce problème. | It would be preferable to hurry to solve this problem. | Formal suggestion to resolve an issue |
| Nous devons nous dépêcher pour satisfaire nos clients. | We must hurry to satisfy our clients. | Expressing urgency related to customer satisfaction |
| Veuillez vous dépêcher de vérifier ces informations. | Please hurry to verify this information. | Formal request for information verification |
Situations Requiring Tact
Sometimes, you need to urge someone to hurry without being rude or pushy. Here are some examples of how to do that:
| French Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| On y va ? | Shall we go? / Let’s go? | Subtle way of suggesting it’s time to leave |
| Il faut y aller. | We have to go. | Gentle reminder that time is running out |
| Si on se dépêchait un peu… | If we hurried a little… | Indirect suggestion to speed up |
| On devrait peut-être se dépêcher. | We should perhaps hurry. | Mild suggestion to increase speed |
| Il serait bon de se dépêcher. | It would be good to hurry. | Polite suggestion to move faster |
| On y va, on a un rendez-vous. | Let’s go, we have an appointment. | Reminding someone of a time-sensitive commitment |
| Il faut y aller, sinon on va être en retard. | We have to go, otherwise we’ll be late. | Explaining the reason for needing to hurry |
| Si on se dépêchait un peu, on pourrait prendre un café avant. | If we hurried a little, we could have a coffee before. | Offering a reward for speeding up |
| On devrait peut-être se dépêcher, le magasin ferme bientôt. | We should perhaps hurry, the store closes soon. | Highlighting a time constraint |
| Il serait bon de se dépêcher, le soleil se couche. | It would be good to hurry, the sun is setting. | Suggesting urgency based on environmental factors |
| On y va, on a encore beaucoup à faire. | Let’s go, we still have a lot to do. | Reminding someone of pending tasks |
| Il faut y aller, le spectacle va commencer. | We have to go, the show is about to start. | Urgency related to an event |
| Si on se dépêchait un peu, on aurait plus de temps pour se détendre. | If we hurried a little, we would have more time to relax. | Highlighting the benefits of speeding up |
| On devrait peut-être se dépêcher, il va bientôt pleuvoir. | We should perhaps hurry, it’s going to rain soon. | Urgency related to weather conditions |
| Il serait bon de se dépêcher, le train ne va pas attendre. | It would be good to hurry, the train won’t wait. | Urgency related to transportation schedules |
| On y va, on ne veut pas manquer le début. | Let’s go, we don’t want to miss the beginning. | Expressing a desire to be on time |
| Il faut y aller, c’est important. | We have to go, it’s important. | Emphasizing the importance of the destination |
| Si on se dépêchait un peu, on pourrait éviter les embouteillages. | If we hurried a little, we could avoid traffic jams. | Highlighting a practical benefit of speeding up |
| On devrait peut-être se dépêcher, il y a beaucoup de monde. | We should perhaps hurry, there are a lot of people. | Suggesting urgency due to crowds |
| Il serait bon de se dépêcher, on a une réservation. | It would be good to hurry, we have a reservation. | Reminding someone of a commitment and its time sensitivity |
Usage Rules and Considerations
Using “hurry up” expressions correctly involves understanding a few key rules and considerations. These include verb conjugation, pronoun usage, and context appropriateness.
Verb Conjugation
The most common “hurry up” expressions involve imperative forms of verbs. Remember that the imperative form varies depending on whether you’re using the tu (informal singular) or vous (formal singular/plural) form.
- For tu: Drop the -s from the present tense tu form of the verb (e.g., tu dépêches becomes dépêche).
- For vous: Use the present tense vous form of the verb (e.g., vous dépêchez remains dépêchez).
Pronoun Usage
When using reflexive verbs like se dépêcher, the reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject. In imperative sentences, the pronoun follows the verb and is connected with a hyphen.
- Dépêche-toi (toi is the tonic form of te).
- Dépêchez-vous (vous remains vous).
Context Appropriateness
Always consider the context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing. Using an informal expression in a formal setting can be disrespectful, while using a formal expression with a close friend can sound awkward.
Consider these guidelines:
- Use informal expressions with friends, family, and people you know well.
- Use formal expressions with strangers, superiors, and in professional settings.
- When in doubt, err on the side of formality.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a good understanding of the rules, it’s easy to make mistakes when using “hurry up” expressions in French. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Dépêche vous ! | Dépêchez-vous ! | Missing hyphen and incorrect verb form. |
| Dépêches-toi ! | Dépêche-toi ! | Incorrect verb form (-s should be dropped in the tu imperative). |
| Faire vite ! | Fais vite ! | Incorrect verb conjugation. |
| Bouges-toi ! | Bouge-toi ! | Incorrect verb conjugation. |
| Dépêche-toi, Monsieur ! | Dépêchez-vous, Monsieur ! | Using an informal expression with someone who requires formality. |
| Dépêchez-toi, mon ami ! | Dépêche-toi, mon ami ! | Using a formal expression with a friend (though not a major error, it sounds odd). |
| Plus vite toi ! | Plus vite ! | Unnecessary addition of a pronoun. |
| Se dépêche ! | Dépêche-toi ! / Dépêchez-vous ! | Missing reflexive pronoun and incorrect verb form. |
| Dépêche toi vite ! | Dépêche-toi ! / Fais vite ! | Redundant combination of phrases. |
| Aller vite ! | Fais vite ! | Incorrect construction for “do it quickly.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “hurry up” expressions with these practice exercises. Choose the correct phrase for each situation and indicate whether it’s formal or informal.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the appropriate form of “dépêcher.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ______ (tu), on va être en retard ! | Dépêche-toi |
| 2. ______ (vous), la réunion commence dans cinq minutes ! | Dépêchez-vous |
| 3. Si on ______ (nous) un peu, on pourrait prendre un café. | se dépêchait |
| 4. ______ (vous), Monsieur, votre taxi vous attend. | Dépêchez-vous |
| 5. ______ (tu), le film va commencer ! | Dépêche-toi |
| 6. Nous devons ______(nous) pour arriver à l’heure. | nous dépêcher |
| 7. ______(vous), Madame, votre table est prête. | Dépêchez-vous |
| 8. ______(tu), j’ai besoin de ton aide! | Dépêche-toi |
| 9. Il faut ______(nous) si on veut partir bientôt. | se dépêcher |
| 10. ______(vous), le train va partir. | Dépêchez-vous |
Exercise 2: Translation
Translate the following sentences into French using the appropriate “hurry up” expression.
| English | French |
|---|---|
| 1. Hurry up, we’re going to miss the bus! (informal) | Dépêche-toi, on va rater le bus ! |
| 2. Could you please hurry? (formal) | Pourriez-vous vous dépêcher, s’il vous plaît ? |
| 3. Move it, we’re already late! (informal) | Bouge-toi, on est déjà en retard ! |
| 4. We must hurry to finish this project. (formal) | Nous devons nous dépêcher pour terminer ce projet. |
| 5. Hurry up, I’m hungry! (informal) | Fais vite, j’ai faim ! |
| 6. Please hurry to respond to this email. (formal) | Veuillez vous dépêcher de répondre à ce courriel. |
| 7. Come on, hurry up, you can do it! (informal) | Allez, dépêche-toi, tu peux le faire ! |
| 8. Hurry up, the director wants to see you. (formal) | Dépêchez-vous, le directeur veut vous voir. |
| 9. Faster, the pizza is going to get cold! (informal) | Plus vite, la pizza va refroidir ! |
| 10. Hurry up, we have a reservation. (formal) | Dépêchez-vous, nous avons une réservation. |
Exercise 3: Contextual Choice
Choose the most appropriate “hurry up” expression for each context.
| Context | Options | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| You are talking to your little brother who is getting ready for school. | a) Dépêchez-vous ! b) Dépêche-toi ! c) Veuillez vous dépêcher. | b) Dépêche-toi ! |
| You are addressing your boss in a meeting. | a) Bouge-toi ! b) Dépêchez-vous ! c) Fais vite ! | b) Dépêchez-vous ! |
| You are speaking to a group of tourists you are guiding. | a) Allez, dépêche-toi ! b) On y va ! c) Dépêchez-vous ! | c) Dépêchez-vous ! |
| You are talking to a close friend who is taking too long to get ready to go out. | a) Dépêchez-vous ! b) Plus vite ! c) Dépêche-toi ! | c) Dépêche-toi ! |
| You are in a professional setting and need someone to complete a task quickly. | a) Fais vite ! b) Dépêchez-vous ! c) Bouge-toi ! | b) Dépêchez-vous ! |
| You are encouraging your friend to finish a race. | a) Dépêche-toi ! b) Plus vite ! c) Allons-y ! | b) Plus vite ! |
| You are reminding your colleague that a deadline is approaching. | a) Il faut y aller ! b) Nous devons nous dépêcher. c) Bouge-toi ! | b) Nous devons nous dépêcher. |
| You are trying to get your family out of the house quickly. | a) Dépêchez-vous ! b) On y va ! c) Fais vite ! | b) On y va ! |
| You are telling a child to hurry up so they don’t miss their favorite TV show. | a) Dépêche-toi ! b) Veuillez vous dépêcher. c) Dépêchez-vous ! | a) Dépêche-toi ! |
| You are asking someone to quickly send you a document you need. | a) Fais vite ! b) Dépêchez-vous ! c) Allez, dépêche-toi ! | b) Dépêchez-vous ! |
Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances and subtleties of “hurry up” expressions can further refine their communication skills. This section explores some of these advanced topics.
Using Adverbs for Emphasis
Adding adverbs can intensify the urgency or modify the tone of the expression. For example:
- Dépêche-toi vite ! (Hurry up quickly!) – Emphasizes the need for immediate action.
- Dépêchez-vous rapidement ! (Hurry up rapidly!) – Adds a sense of urgency in a formal setting.
- Dépêche-toi un peu ! (Hurry up a little!) – Softens the command, making it less direct.
Combining Phrases
Combining different “hurry up” expressions can create a stronger sense of urgency or impatience. However, be careful not to sound too aggressive.
- Allez, dépêche-toi vite ! (Come on, hurry up quickly!)
- Bouge-toi, plus vite ! (Move it, faster!)
Using Subjunctive Mood
In more complex sentences, you might encounter the subjunctive mood when expressing the need for someone to hurry. For example:
- Il faut que tu te dépêches. (It is necessary that you hurry.)
- Il est important que vous vous dépêchiez. (It is important that you hurry.)
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers some frequently asked questions about using “hurry up” expressions in French.
- Q: Is there a single, direct translation for “hurry up” in French?
A: No, there isn’t one single direct translation. Instead, there are several expressions, each with slightly different nuances. The best choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing. - Q: When should I use “Dépêche-toi” versus “Dépêchez-vous”?
A: Use “Dépêche-toi” in informal settings with friends and family. Use “Dépêchez-vous” in formal settings with strangers, superiors, or in professional contexts. - Q: Is “Bouge-toi” rude?
A: “Bouge-toi” can be considered a bit rude or impatient, so it should only be used with people you know well and in informal situations where a slightly forceful tone is acceptable. - Q: How can I politely ask someone to hurry in French?
A: Use phrases like “Pourriez-vous vous dépêcher, s’il vous plaît ?” (Could you please hurry?) or “Il serait préférable de se dépêcher” (It would be preferable to hurry) to be polite and respectful. - Q: What does “Allons-y” mean, and how is it related to “hurry up”?
A: “Allons-y” means “Let’s go!” While not a direct translation of “hurry up,” it can often imply a sense of urgency and encouragement to get moving. - Q: Can I use “Plus vite” in any context?
A: “Plus vite” (Faster!) is a direct command and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, but it’s generally more appropriate in situations where speed is essential, such as during a race or when performing a task. - Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using these expressions?
A: Common mistakes include using the wrong verb form (e.g., “Dépêches-toi” instead of “Dépêche-toi”), forgetting the hyphen in reflexive imperative forms (e.g., “Dépêchez vous” instead of “Dépêchez-vous”), and using informal expressions in formal settings. - Q: How can I emphasize the urgency when asking someone to hurry?
A: You can emphasize urgency by adding adverbs like “vite” (quickly) or by using a more forceful tone. For example, “Dépêche-toi vite !” (Hurry up quickly!) or “Dépêchez-vous immédiatement !” (Hurry up immediately!).
- Q: Are there any regional variations in how people say “hurry up” in French?
A: While the core expressions remain the same across French-speaking regions, there might be slight variations in colloquial usage or emphasis. However, the phrases discussed in this article are widely understood and accepted. - Q: Can “On se dépêche” be used as an imperative?
A: “On se dépêche” translates to “We hurry” or “Let’s hurry.” While not a direct imperative, it serves as an encouragement for a group to increase their pace.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of saying “hurry up” in French involves understanding the nuances of formality, directness, and context. By familiarizing yourself with the various expressions, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can communicate urgency effectively and appropriately in a wide range of situations.
Whether you’re encouraging a friend, prompting a colleague, or simply trying to avoid being late, knowing how to express the need for speed is an invaluable skill for any French speaker. Keep practicing, pay attention to the context, and soon you’ll be able to use these phrases with confidence and fluency.