"Bistro" in Russian: It Means "Quickly," Not "Hurry"

No. The Russian word бистро (bistro) is an adverb meaning "quickly," "fast," or "rapidly." It does not mean "hurry" (noun/verb).

Usage Examples

• Он ест быстро. — "He eats quickly."
• Сделай это быстро! — "Do it quickly!"

Related Words

• Спешить (speshit') — verb "to hurry/rush."
• Поспешай! (Pospeshay!) — imperative "Hurry up!"
• Срочно (srochno) — "urgently."

Etymology Note

The French word bistro (small restaurant) likely comes from Russian bystro — allegedly shouted by Russian officers in 1814 Paris demanding fast service. The French noun bistro was then borrowed back into Russian as бистро (café), but the adverb быстро remains "quickly."

So: быстро = quickly; спешите = hurry (command).