How to Say "Early" in Italian

presto

/ˈprɛs.to/

The English word "early" is translated into Italian as presto.

presto is used to describe arriving or happening at a time before what was expected, both as an adjective and an adverb.

Meaning: arriving at a time before expected (adj)

Which one should you use?

While presto can mean "early" in the sense of a time before expected, it is also frequently used to mean "soon" or "quickly".

The word is pronounced /ˈprɛs.to/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.

The word presto shares a common ancestor with the English word 'prestidigitation', which refers to sleight of hand or magic tricks.
In classical music notation, the term presto is used globally to instruct musicians to play at a very fast tempo.
If you are in a hurry and want to say 'quickly', you might shout Presto!, which functions as an imperative command rather than just an adverb.

So che è presto.
I know it's early.
This sentence is useful for stating that it is early.
Tatoeba #5923383 by Guybrush88, translation #5757964 by CM
È a casa presto.
He's home early.
This sentence is useful for saying someone is home early.
Tatoeba #8491154 by Guybrush88, translation #8480214 by CH
Non si alza presto.
He does not get up early.
This sentence is useful for stating that someone does not get up early.
Tatoeba #630457 by Guybrush88, translation #300824 by CK
Ho una riunione domani mattina molto presto.
I have a meeting tomorrow morning very early.
Sono arrivato in anticipo alla lezione.
I arrived early to the class.
Siamo usciti di buon'ora per evitare il traffico.
We left early to avoid the traffic.
1121 more sentences on Tatoeba

Francesco and Giulia meet at a restaurant for dinner.

Francesco

Ciao Giulia! Sei arrivata presto.
Hi Giulia! You arrived early.
Giulia

Sì, non c'era traffico oggi.
Yes, there was no traffic today.
Francesco

Ottimo, possiamo scegliere il tavolo.
Great, we can choose the table.
Giulia

Hai ragione, è meglio arrivare presto.
You are right, it is better to arrive early.

Sources

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