Adjective
/urˈxen̪te/
The word "urgente" in Spanish describes something that requires immediate attention or action. It is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, often in scenarios where time is a critical factor, such as in medical situations, legal matters, or emergencies.
In general usage, "urgente" is commonly found in conversations, written correspondences, and announcements, indicating matters that cannot be postponed. The frequency of use is particularly high in public services, news articles, and operational communications.
La situación es urgente y necesita ser atendida de inmediato.
The situation is urgent and needs to be addressed immediately.
Te llamé porque hay un asunto urgente que debemos discutir.
I called you because there is an urgent matter that we need to discuss.
El médico identificó la condición de su paciente como urgente.
The doctor identified the condition of his patient as urgent.
"Urgente" can form part of several idiomatic expressions, often reflecting the immediacy or critical nature of a situation. Here are a few:
Tener una necesidad urgente
To have an urgent need
Example: Tengo una necesidad urgente de hablar contigo sobre el proyecto.
I have an urgent need to talk to you about the project.
Es una cuestión urgente
It's an urgent matter
Example: No podemos postergar esto, es una cuestión urgente.
We cannot postpone this; it's an urgent matter.
Actuar con urgencia
To act with urgency
Example: Debemos actuar con urgencia para evitar problemas mayores.
We must act with urgency to avoid greater problems.
Urgente como el pan
Urgent as bread (meaning extremely urgent or necessary)
Example: Esta información es urgente como el pan para nuestra estrategia.
This information is as urgent as bread for our strategy.
The word "urgente" comes from the Latin "urgens," the present participle of "urgere," meaning "to urge" or "to press." This reflects its core meaning of needing prompt action or attention.
Synonyms: - Imperativo (imperative) - Apremiante (pressing) - Crítico (critical)
Antonyms: - Tranquilo (calm) - Lento (slow) - Despreocupado (unconcerned)