Spanish word

urgencia

Pronunciation

IPA/uɾˈxenθja/

Meaning

  • feminine nounurgent matter

Example

Lo siento, tengo una urgencia y debo salir ahora.

I'm sorry, I have an urgent matter and I have to leave now.

Illustration for urgencia (urgent matter)

More examples

Si es una urgencia médica, vaya al hospital más cercano.

If it is a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital.

Core concept

An unexpected urgent task that interrupts planned activities.

Common phrases

  • tener una urgencia

    have an urgent matter

  • una urgencia médica

    a medical emergency

  • atender una urgencia

    attend to an urgent matter

Similar words

emergencia: Acute life-or-safety crisis that threatens people and demands immediate action.
imprevisto: Unexpected event that forces a change of plans and calls for quick handling.
contratiempo: Setback that hinders progress and causes delay or practical inconvenience.
apuro: Pressing predicament that puts someone in a hurry to resolve a problem.

Definition in Spanish

Necesidad o asunto imprevisto que exige atención urgente y altera los planes previstos.

Word origin

Derived from Latin urgentia (from urgēre 'to press'), the word denotes a pressing, unforeseen need that interrupts plans.

Usage tips

  • Although related to English 'urgency' or 'emergency', 'una urgencia' is typically a specific incident and is commonly used with verbs like 'tener' or 'atender' rather than as an abstract state.

Other meanings

  • emergencynoun
  • urgencynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • urgenteurgentadjective
  • urgentementeurgentlyadverb

Word lists with this word