Spanish word of the day: Periquete

What does periquete mean?

Periquete (noun) — A very brief period of time. It's a colloquial term commonly used in everyday conversation to indicate something happening quickly or in an instant.

Example sentences with periquete

• Mi hija terminó toda la tarea en un periquete y ahora está jugando videojuegos.
  🎮️ My daughter finished all her homework in a jiffy and now she's playing video games.

• No te preocupes por la cena, con esta receta la tendremos lista en un periquete.
  🥗 Don't worry about dinner, with this recipe we'll have it ready in no time.

• Juan llegó tarde a la reunión, pero se puso al día en un periquete.
  Juan arrived late to the meeting, but he caught up in a flash.

Periquete in context

You'll often hear it in informal settings, such as among friends, family members, or colleagues in relaxed work environments. It's particularly common in phrases like "en un periquete" (in a jiffy) when describing quick tasks or swift returns. In business meetings, academic settings, or when addressing authority figures, it's best to opt for more formal alternatives like "rápidamente" (quickly) or "en poco tiempo" (in a short time).

To use "periquete" effectively, consider these tips: First, pay attention to how native speakers employ it in various situations. Second, use it sparingly to avoid sounding repetitive or overly casual. Lastly, combine it with other colloquial expressions to sound more natural, such as "Espérame, vuelvo en un periquete"