If you’re looking for other ways to say “hurry up,” you have plenty of options depending on the situation, your relationship with the person, and how urgent you want to sound. While “hurry up” is a common phrase used to tell someone to move or finish something more quickly, it can sometimes sound impatient, demanding, or even rude. Choosing the right alternative can help you sound polite, friendly, professional, urgent, or encouraging.
The phrase “hurry up” means to do something more quickly or to move faster than you currently are. Depending on the context, alternatives such as “get a move on,” “hasten,” “speed up,” “be quick,” “pick up the pace,” “let’s get going,” “please be quick,” and “we’re running out of time” can express a similar idea while creating a different tone. Some alternatives are casual, while others work better in professional, formal, or polite conversations.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best other ways to say “hurry up,” including polite alternatives, professional expressions, casual phrases, funny ways to tell someone to hurry, and stronger expressions for situations where time is limited. You’ll also see clear examples showing how to use each alternative naturally in a sentence.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to say “hurry up” in different situations without sounding unnecessarily rude or impatient. Whether you’re messaging a friend, talking to a coworker, asking someone to get ready, or dealing with an urgent situation, you’ll find a suitable expression for every context.
Best Other Ways to Say Hurry Up
Here are some of the most useful alternatives, ranging from polite and professional to casual and urgent.
| Alternative | Tone | Formality | Best For | Example |
| Please be quick | Polite | Neutral | Everyday requests | Please be quick; we’re almost ready to leave. |
| Could you hurry, please? | Polite | Neutral | Respectful reminders | Could you hurry, please? |
| We’re short on time | Calm | Neutral | Explaining urgency | We’re short on time, so let’s get started. |
| Let’s get moving | Friendly | Casual | Friends and family | Let’s get moving before traffic gets worse. |
| Let’s get going | Casual | Casual | Leaving | Let’s get going before it gets dark. |
| Pick up the pace | Direct | Neutral | Moving or working faster | We need to pick up the pace. |
| Can we speed things up? | Professional | Neutral | Work | Can we speed things up a little? |
| Could you prioritize this? | Professional | Formal | Workplace tasks | Could you prioritize this today? |
| This is time-sensitive | Professional | Formal | Deadlines | This request is time-sensitive. |
| We need to move quickly | Direct | Neutral | Urgent situations | We need to move quickly. |
| We’re running late | Natural | Casual | Travel and plans | We’re running late. Let’s go. |
| Come on, let’s go | Direct | Casual | Friends and family | Come on, let’s go! |
| Get a move on | Direct | Casual | Informal situations | Get a move on or we’ll miss the bus. |
| Move it | Forceful | Casual | Urgent situations | Move it! We need to get out. |
| Chop-chop | Playful | Casual | Joking with close people | Chop-chop, we’re leaving! |
There is no single replacement that works in every situation. “Could you prioritize this?” makes sense at work, while “Chop-chop!” may sound playful with a friend but completely inappropriate in a professional email.
Polite Ways to Say Hurry Up
If you want someone to move faster without sounding demanding, choose language that makes the urgency clear while still respecting the other person’s time.
Please Be Quick
“Please be quick” is one of the simplest polite alternatives to “hurry up.”
It keeps the request direct, but adding “please” makes it softer. It works particularly well when you need someone to do something quickly but do not want to sound angry.
Examples:
- Please be quick; everyone is waiting.
- Please be quick because the store is about to close.
- I just need one more thing, so please be quick.
- Please be quick. We have to leave in five minutes.
It is more natural in everyday conversation than in formal business writing.
Could You Hurry, Please?
“Could you hurry, please?” turns “hurry up” into a question, which makes the request sound less commanding.
It is useful when you are asking someone you know to speed up without wanting to sound aggressive.
Examples:
- Could you hurry, please? We’re going to be late.
- Could you hurry, please? The meeting starts in ten minutes.
- Could you hurry a little? I don’t want us to miss the train.
For an even softer version, say:
“Could you move a little faster when you get a chance?”
We’re Short on Time
Sometimes the best alternative is not to tell someone to hurry at all. Instead, explain why speed matters.
“We’re short on time” focuses on the situation rather than blaming the person.
Examples:
- We’re short on time, so let’s keep this brief.
- We’re short on time. Can we finish this quickly?
- We’re a little short on time before the appointment.
This approach is especially useful when you want to sound calm rather than impatient.
Can We Move a Little Faster?
This phrase works well when you want to encourage faster progress without issuing a command.
Examples:
- Can we move a little faster? We have another meeting soon.
- Can we move a little faster on this?
- Can we move things along a little faster?
It is a good choice for coworkers, group projects, and everyday situations.
Professional Ways to Say Hurry Up
Simply writing “Hurry up” in a workplace email can sound abrupt. Professional communication usually works better when you explain the deadline, priority, or reason for the urgency.
Current workplace language commonly uses phrases such as “This is time-sensitive,” “Could you prioritize this?” and “Can we expedite this?” to communicate urgency more professionally.
Could You Prioritize This?
“Could you prioritize this?” is one of the most useful professional alternatives to “hurry up.”
Instead of directly telling someone to work faster, you are asking them to move the task higher on their list.
Examples:
- Could you prioritize this before the end of the day?
- Could you prioritize this request ahead of the other items?
- Could you prioritize this before tomorrow’s meeting?
This Is Time-Sensitive
“This is time-sensitive” communicates urgency without sounding like an angry command.
It works especially well in professional emails.
Example:
This request is time-sensitive, so I’d appreciate it if you could review it today.
The phrase is useful because it tells the recipient why speed matters.
Can We Speed Things Up?
“Can we speed things up?” is a natural workplace phrase when a process is moving too slowly.
It can be used in meetings, project discussions, or conversations with coworkers.
Examples:
- Can we speed things up so we can meet the deadline?
- Is there a way we can speed things up?
- Can we speed up the approval process?
It is less formal than “Could you expedite this?” but often sounds more natural in everyday workplace communication.
Could You Expedite This?
“Could you expedite this?” is a more formal way to request faster handling.
Expedite means to make something happen sooner or progress more quickly.
Examples:
- Could you expedite this request?
- Is there any way to expedite the review?
- Could you expedite the shipment if possible?
This phrase is particularly appropriate for business processes, customer service, shipping, administrative requests, and formal correspondence.
This Needs a Quick Turnaround
A quick turnaround means that something needs to be completed and returned relatively quickly.
Examples:
- This needs a quick turnaround because the presentation is tomorrow.
- We need a quick turnaround on these revisions.
- Would it be possible to get a quick turnaround on this?
This sounds much more professional than simply telling someone to hurry.
Can We Make This a Priority?
This phrase asks someone to treat the task as particularly important.
Examples:
- Can we make this a priority for today?
- Could we make this a priority before the client meeting?
- If possible, can we make this a priority?
It works well when you need urgency without sounding confrontational.
Please Complete This as Soon as Possible
This is a direct but professional option.
However, “as soon as possible” can sometimes be vague. If you have a specific deadline, giving the exact time is usually clearer.
Compare:
Please complete this as soon as possible.
with:
Could you please complete this by 3 p.m. today?
The second version tells the recipient exactly what you need.
Casual Ways to Say Hurry Up
With friends, siblings, partners, and people you know well, conversational expressions usually sound more natural than formal workplace language.
Let’s Get Moving
“Let’s get moving” is one of the most natural casual alternatives.
It sounds encouraging rather than commanding because you include yourself in the action.
Examples:
- Let’s get moving before traffic gets worse.
- Come on, let’s get moving.
- Let’s get moving or we’ll miss the movie.
Let’s Get Going
“Let’s get going” is especially common when you want to leave somewhere.
Examples:
- Let’s get going. We don’t want to be late.
- All right, let’s get going.
- Let’s get going before the rain starts.
It is usually friendlier than simply saying “Hurry up.”
Come On, Let’s Go
This is a very common casual expression.
Depending on your tone, it can sound encouraging, impatient, excited, or playful.
Examples:
- Come on, let’s go! The movie is starting.
- Come on, let’s go. We’re already late.
- Come on, let’s go before everyone leaves.
Because tone matters so much, this phrase is better suited to informal conversations.
We’re Running Late
Rather than ordering someone to hurry, you can point out the problem.
Examples:
- We’re running late. We should leave now.
- We’re running a little late, so let’s get going.
- We’re running late for dinner.
This is a useful communication strategy because it makes the urgency feel shared.
Pick Up the Pace
“Pick up the pace” means to move or work faster.
It can refer to physical movement or progress on a task.
Examples:
- We need to pick up the pace if we’re going to finish on time.
- Pick up the pace; we’re almost there.
- Let’s pick up the pace and get this done.
It is direct, so use it with people and situations where that level of firmness is appropriate.
Get a Move On
“Get a move on” is a distinctly informal way to tell someone to hurry.
Examples:
- Get a move on or we’ll miss the bus.
- Come on, get a move on!
- You’d better get a move on if you want to be there on time.
It can sound playful among friends but bossy in other circumstances.
Friendly and Warm Alternatives to Hurry Up
Not every situation requires blunt urgency. Sometimes you want to encourage someone to move faster while keeping the interaction positive.
Let’s Keep Things Moving
This phrase works well when several people are involved.
Example:
Let’s keep things moving so everyone can get home on time.
It focuses on maintaining progress rather than criticizing someone for being slow.
We Should Get Going Soon
This is a gentle way to communicate that someone should start preparing.
Examples:
- We should get going soon if we want to beat the traffic.
- We should probably get going soon.
- We should get going soon because the reservation is at seven.
We Don’t Have Much Time
This phrase explains the urgency without directly blaming anyone.
Examples:
- We don’t have much time, so let’s make this quick.
- We don’t have much time before boarding.
- We don’t have much time. Are you almost ready?
This can be particularly useful with family members or friends who might react negatively to a blunt command.
Funny and Playful Ways to Say Hurry Up
Some situations call for humor rather than seriousness. These phrases work best with people who understand your sense of humor.
Chop-Chop!
“Chop-chop!” is a playful expression meaning “hurry up.”
It can sound humorous, bossy, childish, or old-fashioned depending on the speaker and context.
Examples:
- Chop-chop! We’re leaving in five minutes.
- All right, chop-chop, everyone!
- Chop-chop! The pizza is getting cold.
Do not use this in a formal workplace email or serious professional conversation.
Time’s Ticking
“Time’s ticking” is a playful way to remind someone that time is passing.
Examples:
- Time’s ticking. Are you ready yet?
- Come on, time’s ticking!
- Time’s ticking, and we still have a lot to do.
The Clock Is Ticking
This version sounds slightly more dramatic.
Example:
The clock is ticking, so let’s get this finished.
It works well when you want to create urgency without directly saying “hurry up.”
Step on It
“Step on it” means to go faster or hurry.
Example:
Step on it! We’re going to miss the start.
It is highly informal and can sound forceful. It is best reserved for casual situations.
Direct and Urgent Ways to Say Hurry Up
Sometimes politeness is not the priority. If there is an actual emergency or immediate deadline, direct language can be appropriate.
We Need to Move Now
This clearly communicates urgency.
Examples:
- We need to move now.
- We need to move now if we’re going to make it.
- Everyone needs to move now.
Move Quickly
This is direct and relatively neutral.
Examples:
- Move quickly and stay together.
- We need to move quickly.
- Please move quickly toward the exit.
We Need to Act Fast
This is especially useful when a decision or action cannot wait.
Examples:
- We need to act fast before the opportunity disappears.
- If we want to meet the deadline, we need to act fast.
- We need to act fast and get everyone organized.
Move It
“Move it!” is much more forceful.
It can be appropriate in certain urgent or playful situations, but it can also sound rude or aggressive.
Use it carefully.
Short Ways to Say Hurry Up in a Text
Text messages often favor short, conversational language.
Depending on the relationship, you could write:
- Hurry!
- Quick!
- Let’s go!
- Come on!
- We’re late!
- Get moving!
- Move it!
- Pick up the pace.
- We’re running out of time.
- Time’s ticking.
- Need you here ASAP.
- Can you come soon?
- Are you almost ready?
- We need to leave soon.
For a friend, “Come on, let’s go!” sounds natural.
For a serious deadline, be specific:
Could you send this by 2 p.m.?
That is often more useful than simply saying “ASAP.”
Ways to Say Hurry Up at Work
Choosing the right phrase at work depends heavily on your relationship with the person and the urgency of the request.
| Situation | Better Phrase |
| Asking a coworker for something soon | Could you send this over soon? |
| Asking someone to prioritize a task | Could you prioritize this? |
| Explaining urgency | This is time-sensitive. |
| Discussing a slow process | Can we speed things up? |
| Requesting faster processing | Could you expedite this? |
| Communicating a deadline | We need this by 3 p.m. |
| Asking for faster completion | We need a quick turnaround. |
| Following up politely | I wanted to see if you could move this forward today. |
| Urgent business matter | Please treat this as a priority. |
How to Say Hurry Up to a Coworker
With a coworker, avoid making the message sound like a personal criticism.
Instead of:
Hurry up with that report.
Try:
Could you prioritize the report? We need it before the meeting.
The second version identifies the task and explains the reason for the urgency.
How to Say Hurry Up to Your Boss
You generally should not tell your boss “Hurry up.”
If you need something from your manager, phrase the request around the deadline or your dependency on their response.
For example:
Would it be possible to get your feedback by noon? I need to send the final version this afternoon.
This communicates urgency while remaining respectful.
How to Say Hurry Up to a Customer
Customer communication requires even more care.
Avoid:
You need to hurry up and send the information.
Instead:
If possible, could you send the requested information today so we can continue processing your request?
This gives the customer a reason and a clear timeframe.
How to Say Hurry Up in an Email
Email requires more precision because tone is harder to interpret without facial expressions or voice.
Instead of writing:
Hurry up and send the document.
Try:
Could you please send the document by the end of the day?
Or:
If possible, could you prioritize this request? We are working toward a tight deadline.
For a genuinely urgent matter:
This is time-sensitive, so I would appreciate your response as soon as possible.
A useful rule is to replace vague pressure with specific information.
Tell the reader:
- What you need.
- When you need it.
- Why the deadline matters.
- Whether the deadline is flexible.
That makes your request clearer and more professional.
What Is the Most Polite Way to Say Hurry Up?
The most polite option depends on the context, but several expressions work particularly well:
- Could you hurry, please?
- Could you move a little faster?
- We’re short on time.
- Could you prioritize this?
- If possible, could you get this done soon?
- Would you mind speeding things up a little?
- We need this by [specific time].
Among these, “Could you move a little faster?” is useful when you are speaking directly to someone, while “Could you prioritize this?” is better for professional tasks.
What Is a More Professional Way to Say Hurry Up?
For professional communication, the strongest choices are usually:
- Could you prioritize this?
- This is time-sensitive.
- Could you expedite this?
- Can we speed up the process?
- We need a quick turnaround.
- Could you complete this by [time]?
- Please treat this as a priority.
- We are working against a tight deadline.
Professional alternatives often work better because they communicate urgency without unnecessary aggression. Workplace guidance commonly recommends explaining the deadline or priority rather than relying on a blunt command.
What Is a Casual Way to Say Hurry Up?
For friends and family, natural choices include:
- Let’s get moving.
- Let’s get going.
- Come on, let’s go.
- Get a move on.
- Pick up the pace.
- We’re running late.
- Come on, we don’t have much time.
- Let’s move it along.
- Time’s ticking.
The safest casual option is often “Let’s get moving.” It sounds active without automatically sounding angry.
Which Alternative Should You Use?
The right phrase depends on the situation.
| If You Want to… | Best Choice |
| Sound polite | Could you hurry, please? |
| Sound professional | Could you prioritize this? |
| Explain urgency | We’re short on time. |
| Set a clear deadline | Could you have this ready by 3 p.m.? |
| Ask a friend to hurry | Let’s get moving. |
| Get your family out the door | Come on, let’s go. |
| Encourage faster work | Let’s pick up the pace. |
| Request faster processing | Could you expedite this? |
| Sound playful | Chop-chop! |
| Handle a genuine emergency | We need to move now. |
| Send a quick text | We’re running late! |
| Write a professional email | This is time-sensitive. |
The biggest distinction is between telling someone to hurry and explaining why something needs to happen quickly.
The second approach is often more effective because it gives the listener context.
Hurry Up vs. Other Common Expressions
Several alternatives sound similar to “hurry up,” but they do not mean exactly the same thing.
Hurry Up vs. Get a Move On
Hurry up is the more general expression.
Get a move on is more informal and often sounds more forceful.
- Hurry up; we’re almost late.
- Get a move on; we’re going to miss the bus.
Hurry Up vs. Pick Up the Pace
Pick up the pace specifically suggests moving or working faster.
It is particularly useful when someone is already doing something but needs to increase their speed.
We need to pick up the pace if we’re going to finish today.
Hurry Up vs. Expedite
Expedite is considerably more formal.
It is commonly used for processes, requests, orders, approvals, and other tasks that need to be handled faster.
Could you expedite the approval?
You would not normally say:
Expedite! We’re going to be late for dinner.
Hurry Up vs. We’re Running Late
These expressions have different grammatical functions.
“Hurry up” tells someone what to do.
“We’re running late” describes the situation.
That makes “we’re running late” a useful softer alternative because it creates urgency without directly blaming someone.
Phrases to Avoid in Professional Situations
Some expressions may technically communicate the idea of “hurry up,” but they can create the wrong impression at work.
Avoid or use cautiously:
- Move it!
- Chop-chop!
- Step on it!
- Get a move on!
- What’s taking so long?
- Why are you so slow?
- Hurry up already!
The problem is not simply vocabulary. These expressions can imply impatience or criticism.
For example:
What’s taking so long?
does more than ask someone to move faster. It can sound like you are blaming them for the delay.
A better workplace alternative is:
Is there anything holding this up?
That phrasing invites the person to explain the problem instead of putting them on the defensive.
A Better Strategy: Give a Reason and a Deadline
One of the most useful ways to replace “hurry up” is to make your request more specific.
Compare these examples:
Blunt:
Hurry up with the report.
Polite:
Could you finish the report soon?
Clear:
Could you finish the report by 2 p.m.?
Clear and contextual:
Could you finish the report by 2 p.m.? I need to include the figures in the client presentation.
The final version is strongest because the recipient knows what you need, when you need it, and why.
This principle works in almost any context.
With a Coworker
Could you send me the numbers by noon? I need them for the presentation.
With a Friend
We’re running late. Can you be ready in five minutes?
With a Family Member
We need to leave soon if we want to make the appointment.
With a Customer
Could you send the remaining information today so we can complete your request?
With a Partner
Can we get ready soon? I’d like to leave before traffic gets heavy.
Common Mistakes When Asking Someone to Hurry
Using “Hurry Up” Automatically
“Hurry up” is not wrong. It is simply not appropriate for every relationship.
If the situation is professional, consider whether you can express the urgency more tactfully.
Being Urgent Without Giving a Reason
Saying:
I need this now.
can leave the other person wondering why.
Instead:
I need this by 3 p.m. because the client call starts at 4.
is much clearer.
Using Formal Language With Friends
You probably would not tell your friend:
Could you expedite your departure?
That sounds unnatural.
Say:
Come on, let’s go.
Good communication is not about choosing the most sophisticated phrase. It is about choosing the phrase that fits the situation.
Using Casual Expressions in Formal Emails
Expressions such as “chop-chop,” “move it,” and “step on it” may work jokingly among friends, but they can sound inappropriate in professional communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another way to say “hurry up”?
Some common alternatives to “hurry up” include “please be quick,” “let’s get moving,” “pick up the pace,” “we’re short on time,” “let’s get going,” and “could you move a little faster?” The best choice depends on your relationship with the listener and the urgency of the situation.
How do you say “hurry up” politely?
You can say “Could you hurry, please?”, “Could you move a little faster?”, or “We’re short on time.” For an especially respectful request, explain the deadline instead of simply telling someone to hurry.
What is a professional way to say “hurry up”?
Professional alternatives include “Could you prioritize this?”, “This is time-sensitive,” “Could you expedite this?”, and “Could you complete this by [specific time]?” These phrases communicate urgency without sounding unnecessarily demanding.
How do you say “hurry up” to a coworker?
Try “Could you prioritize this?”, “Can we move this along?”, or “Could you get this to me by [time]?” If there is a deadline, giving the exact deadline is usually more useful than simply saying “hurry up.”
What can I say instead of “hurry up” in an email?
In a professional email, try “Could you please prioritize this?”, “This is time-sensitive,” “Could you send this by the end of the day?”, or “I would appreciate a quick turnaround.”
What is a casual way to say “hurry up”?
Natural casual alternatives include “Let’s get moving,” “Let’s get going,” “Come on, let’s go,” “Get a move on,” and “Pick up the pace.”
Is “get a move on” rude?
“Get a move on” is informal and can sound demanding, but it is not necessarily rude. Tone and context matter. It is much more appropriate among friends or family than in formal workplace communication.
Is “chop-chop” rude?
“Chop-chop” can sound playful, bossy, childish, or impatient. It is usually best reserved for joking situations with people you know well. It is not a good choice for professional emails.
What is a softer way to say “hurry up”?
“We’re short on time” is one of the softest options because it focuses on the situation rather than directly criticizing the person’s speed. “Could you move a little faster?” is another respectful choice.
How do you tell someone to hurry up without being rude?
Explain the urgency and, when possible, give a specific deadline. For example, instead of saying “Hurry up with this,” say, “Could you finish this by 3 p.m.? I need it for the meeting.”
What is the difference between “hurry up” and “pick up the pace”?
“Hurry up” is a general request to do something faster. “Pick up the pace” specifically suggests increasing the speed of an activity that is already underway.
What is the best way to say “hurry up” in a professional email?
The clearest approach is often to state the required action and deadline directly:
Could you please send the document by 2 p.m. today?
This is more precise than simply writing “Please hurry.”
Final Takeaway
There are many other ways to say “hurry up,” but the best expression depends on the situation.
For everyday politeness, use “Could you hurry, please?” or “Could you move a little faster?” With friends and family, “Let’s get moving” and “Let’s get going” sound natural. At work, phrases such as “Could you prioritize this?”, “This is time-sensitive,” and “Could you expedite this?” communicate urgency more professionally.
When the deadline matters, the most effective approach is often to skip “hurry up” altogether. Give the person a specific task, deadline, and reason.
Instead of:
Hurry up.
Try:
Could you send this by 3 p.m.? I need it for the client meeting.
That small change makes your communication clearer, more respectful, and much easier for the other person to act on.
