pronto
/ˈpɾõ.tu/
The English word 'done' can be expressed in Portuguese using pronto.
The word is used to express that a task has been completed.
Meaning: expresses that a task has been completed (intj)
Which one should you use?
In Portuguese, pronto can mean both 'done' (completed) and 'ready' (prepared) depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes to pronta if the subject is a feminine noun or person.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈpɾõ.tu/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often say estou pronto intending to mean 'I am finished/done with a task', but in Portuguese, this more commonly means 'I am ready' to start something.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese word pronto is a linguistic sibling of the English word 'prompt'. Both evolved from the Latin prōmptus, meaning 'brought forward' or 'ready'.
- While pronto means 'done' or 'ready', Portuguese uses a completely different word, acabado, when 'done' refers to something being ruined or exhausted.
- In some Portuguese dialects, particularly in Brazil, pronto can be used as a filler word, similar to how English speakers use 'well' or 'so' to transition between thoughts.
Examples in context
- Eu já estou pronto.I'm already done.This example shows how to use pronto to say someone is already done.Tatoeba #1235311 by alexmarcelo, translation #1308819 by CK
- Este bife está pronto?Is this steak done?This example uses pronto to ask if a steak is done.Tatoeba #5076758 by bill, translation #60968 by CK
- Ainda não estou pronto.I'm not done.This example uses pronto to say someone is not done yet.Tatoeba #5642227 by Ricardo14, translation #1839535 by CK
- A tarefa está finalizadaThe task is done
- O projeto foi concluídoThe project has been completed
- A reunião está terminadaThe meeting is done
- Terminei o trabalho, estou prontoI finished the work, I'm done
- Já está prontinhoIt's all done
- Acabou-se o trabalhoThe work is done
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Lucas are cleaning the kitchen together.
- BeatrizLucas, você já lavou os pratos?Lucas, did you wash the dishes already?
- LucasSim, já está tudo pronto.Yes, everything is already done.
- BeatrizÓtimo, agora podemos descansar.Great, now we can rest.
- LucasEu também estou pronto para relaxar.I am also ready to relax.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pronto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pronto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
