C'était très rapide.

Question

Can we use "vite" instead of rapide?

Accepted Answer

I just recently had this question as well! After doing some research, it's my understanding that rapide is usually used as an adjective and vite is usually used as an adverb. So rapide would describe a noun, like "Le train est rapide," and vite would describe a verb, like "Il court vite."

Answer

Thank you, Riley！

Answer

Bonjour Hillary,
A few more details following Riley’s very good explanation of the difference between ‘vite’ and ‘rapide’.
‘rapide’ is an adjective which describes the noun it refers to. It is placed after ‘être’ or after a noun

La moto est rapide = the bike is fast
La moto rapide = the fast bike

‘vite’ is an adverb and as such invariable. It is placed after a verb except for the verb ‘être’. You could replace ‘vite’ with ‘rapidement’ (another adverb)

Le véhicule roule / va vite = the vehicle goes fast
Le véhicule roule / va rapidement = the vehicle goes fast / rapidly

You can find ‘vite’ as an adverb in expressions such as:

C’est vite fait = it is done quickly / fast
Faire au plus vite = to make it fast

I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée!

Answer

Thank you very much, Céline!That was very helpful!

Answer

I would, but looked this up in the dictionary.  Rapide is an adjective, vite an adverb.  Therefore, rapide is probably the correct response.