What does 'slightly quicker' in music refer to when translated?

In music, the term 'slightly quicker' translates to "stretto," which is used to indicate a passage played in a quicker tempo or applied in a way that accelerates the musical flow. It is often found in contexts where a sense of urgency or intensity is needed, typically in relation to a preceding section that leads into a more brisk or rapid passage.

The other terms do not convey the same meaning. "Schwungvoll" means lively or spirited, but it does not specifically imply an increase in tempo. "Meno" translates to "less" and is used to indicate a reduction in volume or tempo, which is the opposite of 'slightly quicker.' "Ruhig" means calm or quiet, typically suggesting a slower tempo rather than an increase. Thus, "stretto" is the most accurate choice for describing a slight increase in tempo.