16 Easy and Natural Phrases to Tell Someone to Hurry Up

Right now, you might feel stuck waiting for a friend, a coworker, or a partner to get ready. It can be hard to know what to say without sounding rude, or pushy, in the moment. Learning how to respond when you need to move along helps you keep your calm. Here are 16 ways to tell someone to hurry up, so you can save time today.

Friendly and Casual Ways to Tell Someone to Hurry Up

We Should Get Going Soon

Heads up, saying this can feel a bit awkward if the person is already stressed about being late. Use this when you want to be gentle, but firm, about the time. It works well with friends or family members you see often. If they get upset, just smile, and say you want to make sure you arrive on time. It shows you care about the plans, together.

• We should get going soon so we do not miss the show.
• My car is outside, so we should get going soon, please.
• We should get going soon, or the shop will be closed.
• Since we have a long drive, we should get going soon.

Can We Pick Up the Pace

Quick facts matter, and this phrase is a simple way to ask for a faster speed. It works best in a casual setting, like walking to a park, or grabbing a quick lunch. You can use it with anyone you feel close to, and it usually keeps things light. If they ignore you, try slowing down yourself, and see if they notice the gap, then mention it again.

• Can we pick up the pace, or we will be late.
• I think we can pick up the pace, if you want.
• Can we pick up the pace, so we reach the store.
• Can we pick up the pace, since the bus is coming.

I Am Ready When You Are

Listeners often feel less pressure when you use this soft approach. It puts the choice on them, but also tells them you are waiting. It works great for a text message, or when you are sitting in the car. If they go quiet, wait a few minutes, then check in once more. It is a kind way to show you are waiting, without being mean to them.

• I am ready when you are, so take your time.
• Are you almost done, because I am ready when you are.
• I am ready when you are, let me know when.
• My bags are packed, so I am ready when you are.

Think We Can Get Moving

Think about a time you waited for a friend who was looking for their keys. This phrase is a light nudge, perfect for a casual outing. It sounds like a question, which makes it feel less like a command. If they seem lost, offer to help them look. It keeps the mood positive, even when you feel like you are losing precious time while waiting for them.

• Think we can get moving, so we catch the train.
• Do you think we can get moving, before it rains.
• Think we can get moving, we have to be there.
• Think we can get moving, since the movie starts soon.

Within a Few Minutes We Should Leave

Within the comfort of your own home, this phrase sets a clear time frame. It is helpful when you are getting ready to go out together. It tells the other person exactly what you need, without being too harsh. If they are not ready, you can offer a hand to help them finish up. It shows you are a partner, not a boss, in this shared moment.

• Within a few minutes we should leave, are you ready.
• Within a few minutes we should leave, let us go.
• Within a few minutes we should leave, grab your coat.
• Within a few minutes we should leave, so let us hurry.

Since We Are on a Schedule Let Us Go

Since you are in a rush, this phrase lets the other person know why you are pushing. It is a good way to be honest about your needs, without blaming them. Use it at work, or when meeting a group of people. If they get annoyed, just stay calm, and explain the plan. It helps to keep a clear and steady flow of communication between you.

• Since we are on a schedule let us go, please.
• Since we are on a schedule let us go, right now.
• Since we are on a schedule let us go, we are late.
• Since we are on a schedule let us go, move fast.

Professional and Direct Ways to Tell Someone to Hurry Up

Want to Wrap This Up Soon

Want to know how to respond to a slow coworker without being rude? This phrase is perfect for an office setting. It focuses on the task, not the person. It sounds professional, and keeps the work moving. If they have more to add, suggest a meeting later. It helps you stay on track, and avoids any hurt feelings during a busy day at the office.

• Want to wrap this up soon, we have a deadline.
• Do you want to wrap this up soon, for the report.
• Want to wrap this up soon, the client is waiting.
• I want to wrap this up soon, let us finish.

Bright and Early We Need to Start

Bright signals are helpful, and this phrase works well when you have a morning meeting. It is a nice way to say that time is important, without being mean. Use it with your team, or a partner on a project. If they are slow to start, just remind them of the goal. It keeps everyone focused, and helps you keep a very professional tone at all times.

• Bright and early we need to start, so hurry up.
• We said bright and early we need to start, today.
• Since it is bright and early we need to start.
• Can we be bright and early we need to start.

Spoken Like a Pro, Let Us Move to the Next Item

Spoken words carry weight, and this phrase helps you move a meeting along. It is a gentle way to tell someone to stop talking, and get to the next task. It sounds encouraging, which stops them from feeling bad. If they keep talking, try to jump in with a summary. It is a smart way to manage your time, and keep the team project moving forward today.

• Spoken like a pro, let us move to the next item.
• That was great, spoken like a pro, let us move.
• Spoken like a pro, let us move to the next item.
• Spoken like a pro, let us move to the next item.

Whenever You Are Ready We Can Start

Whenever you use this, you show that you are patient, but also ready to work. It is a great way to tell someone to hurry up without saying it directly. It works well with a client, or a person you do not know well. If they take too long, just wait calmly. It shows you are in control, and that you respect their time, and yours.

• Whenever you are ready we can start, the room is set.
• Whenever you are ready we can start, let me know.
• Whenever you are ready we can start, we have time.
• Whenever you are ready we can start, I am here.

Sometimes We Need to Move Faster to Finish

Sometimes, you just need to be clear. This phrase tells the person that the goal is to finish. It is best for group projects, or when you are working on a team. If they push back, just point to the goal. It is not about them, it is about the work. It helps you stay focused, and keeps the entire group on track to get things done.

• Sometimes we need to move faster to finish, so hurry.
• Sometimes we need to move faster to finish, let us go.
• Sometimes we need to move faster to finish, for sure.
• Sometimes we need to move faster to finish, please help.

Gentle and Patient Ways to Tell Someone to Hurry Up

Why Do Not We Head Out Now

Why wait when you can just ask? This phrase is a soft, kind way to suggest leaving. It sounds like a question, which makes it very easy to say to a friend. Use it when you are at a party, or out for a walk. If they want to stay, you can always agree to wait a bit. It is a nice way to be a great supportive friend today.

• Why do not we head out now, the sun is down.
• Why do not we head out now, it is getting late.
• Why do not we head out now, we have a drive.
• Why do not we head out now, the store closes soon.

Listen, We Should Probably Get Going

Listen to your gut, and use this phrase when you really need to leave. It is firm, but still kind. Use it when you are with a partner, or a close friend. If they are not ready, just tell them you need to be there on time. It is a clear way to share your needs, and it helps you get out the door, and on your way.

• Listen, we should probably get going, or we are late.
• Listen, we should probably get going, it is time.
• Listen, we should probably get going, the car is here.
• Listen, we should probably get going, let us move.

Watch the Time, We Have to Leave Soon

Watch out for the tone here, as it can sound a bit like a parent. Use this only with people you know very well. It is a good way to remind them of the time, without being rude. If they feel pushed, just explain that you are worried about traffic. It is a helpful way to stay on time, and keep your plans moving along well.

• Watch the time, we have to leave soon, please.
• You should watch the time, we have to leave soon.
• Watch the time, we have to leave soon, for sure.
• Watch the time, we have to leave soon, let us go.

Anyone Ready to Go

Anyone can use this phrase when you are in a group. It is a light, fun way to ask if the group is ready to move. It takes the pressure off any one person. Use it when you are with friends, or at a family event. If everyone is slow, just start walking, and they will likely follow. It is a simple, easy way to lead.

• Anyone ready to go, the bus is here.
• Anyone ready to go, we should be leaving now.
• Is anyone ready to go, we have to leave.
• Anyone ready to go, let us get moving.

Around This Time We Usually Leave

Around the corner is where you want to be, so use this phrase to suggest leaving. It is a polite way to say it is time to go. Use it with guests at your home, or when you are visiting someone. If they do not take the hint, just say you have a busy morning tomorrow. It is a kind way to set your own limits, and go home.

• Around this time we usually leave, is that okay.
• Around this time we usually leave, it is late.
• Around this time we usually leave, so let us go.
• Around this time we usually leave, good night.

Tips for Picking the Right Phrase

Picking the right words is about knowing who you are with, and what the setting feels like. Always stay kind, even when you are in a rush.

Consider Your Audience

Think about who you are talking to before you speak. A boss needs a clear, professional tone, while a friend might like something more casual. Always match your words to the person, and the place, to keep things smooth.

Keep It Short

Short words are often the best way to get your point across fast. You do not need to explain why you are in a hurry. A simple, clear sentence is usually enough to let the other person know.

Watch Your Tone

Your tone says a lot about how you feel. Keep it calm, and friendly, even if you are frustrated. If you sound angry, the other person might get upset, and that will only make the waiting take longer.

Stay Very Clear

Be direct about what you need to happen. If you want to leave in five minutes, say that clearly. People usually appreciate knowing what to expect, and it helps them get ready without guessing what you want.

Seek Real Help

If you feel unsafe, your safety comes first. In the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233, and you can text START to 88788. If someone may be in danger right now, call 911. If someone feels hopeless or thinks about self-harm, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline answers calls and texts at 988.

Finding the right words can make a big difference in how your day goes. Take a deep breath, and choose the phrase that feels most natural to you today.

When Should You Use a Gentle Approach to Tell Someone to Hurry Up?

A gentle approach works best when you want to avoid conflict, or hurt feelings. Use it with friends, family, or people you care about. It helps you keep the mood light, and shows that you value the person. When you are patient, the other person feels less pressure, and they may actually get ready faster than if you were to yell.

Sometimes, you might feel like you are waiting forever, but being kind is still the better choice. A calm voice shows that you are in control of your own feelings. If the person still takes a long time, you can always talk about it later, when you are not in a rush. This keeps your relationship strong, and avoids any stress in the moment.

What if they ignore your gentle hints? If they keep moving slowly, you can try being a bit more direct, while still staying kind. Just say that you really need to leave, because you have a tight schedule. Most people will understand, and they will try to pick up the pace once they know you are serious. Keep your tone soft, but your message clear.

Remember that everyone has a different pace, and that is okay. You do not have to change who they are, you just need to manage your own time. By using these gentle phrases, you set a limit without being rude. It is a great way to handle the situation, and it keeps your day moving forward, without any hard feelings between you.

• Keep your voice low and calm.
• Use a question to sound less bossy.
• Smile when you ask them to move.
• Offer to help them finish up.
• Be patient, and take a deep breath.
• Say thank you when they hurry up.

What is the Best Way to Respond When You Are the One Being Rushed?

Being on the other side of this can feel stressful, but you can handle it with grace. First, stay calm, and do not let the other person's hurry make you feel bad. If you are truly running late, just apologize, and let them know you are doing your best. A simple, honest answer is often the best way to keep the peace between you.

Sometimes, you might feel like you are being rushed for no reason. If that happens, it is okay to say that you need a few more minutes. Just be clear about how long you will take, so the other person knows what to expect. This helps them relax, and it stops them from feeling like they are waiting in the dark.

What if the person is being rude? If they are acting mean, you do not have to take it. You can calmly say that you do not like being spoken to that way. It is important to set your own limits, even when you are in a hurry. You deserve to be treated with respect, no matter how fast you are moving today.

Finally, try to look at the situation from their point of view. They might be worried about missing something important, just like you would be. By showing a little empathy, you can turn a tense moment into a better one. A quick, kind word goes a long way, and it helps you get through the day, without any unnecessary stress or worry for anyone.

• Say you are almost ready.
• Give them a clear time.
• Thank them for their patience.
• Stay calm, and do not rush.
• Ask if they want to go ahead.
• Keep your focus on the task.

Quick Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Hope these ideas help you feel more at ease when time is tight. Knowing what to say makes a big difference in your day. Learning how to respond when you need to move along is a great skill to have. Stay kind, stay clear, and enjoy your plans with others as you head out today.