subito
/ˈsu.bi.to/
The English phrase "right away" can be translated into Italian as subito. Wiktionary also lists immediatamente and al più presto.
Meaning: very soon (adv)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| subito | /ˈsu.bi.to/ |
| immediatamente | /im.me.dja.taˈmen.te/ |
| al più presto | /al ˌpju‿pˈprɛs.to/ |
The term subito is a common way to say 'right away' in Italian.
Which one should you use?
While subito is the most common and versatile way to say "right away" in everyday conversation, immediatamente carries a stronger sense of instantaneous action. Additionally, al più presto is used when 'right away' implies 'as soon as it is possible to do so' rather than an instantaneous reaction.
How do you pronounce it?
The word subito is pronounced as /ˈsu.bi.to/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word presto comes from the Late Latin praestō, which meant 'to hold at hand', suggesting that doing something 'right away' is conceptually similar to having it ready in your grasp.
- In musical contexts, if you see the term presto on a score, it is not a request to do something 'right away' in a conversational sense, but a command to play at a very fast tempo.
Examples in context
- Io devo andare subito.I must go right away.This sentence shows how to use subito to express a need to leave immediately.Tatoeba #2564145 by Guybrush88, translation #52190 by CK
- Tom non rispose subito.Tom didn't answer right away.This sentence demonstrates using subito to describe a lack of immediate response.Tatoeba #4461593 by Guybrush88, translation #1868395 by CK
- Perché non lo fa subito?Why don't you to do that right away?This sentence uses subito to ask why an action is not being performed right away.Tatoeba #8068179 by Guybrush88, translation #6249183 by CK
- Subito, per favore!Right away, please!
- Hai bisogno di rispondere immediatamente.You need to respond right away.
- Chiamo Giulia adesso!I'll call Giulia right away!
- Devi chiamarmi subito, davvero!You have to call me right away, really!
- Puoi chiudere la finestra subito, per favore?Can you close the window right away, please?
- 161 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are in the kitchen.
- LorenzoChiara, puoi aiutarmi subito?Chiara, can you help me right away?
- ChiaraSì, arrivo subito!Yes, I'm coming right away!
- LorenzoGrazie, questo piatto è molto pesante.Thanks, this dish is very heavy.
- ChiaraNon preoccuparti, ora lo prendo io.Don't worry, I'll take it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right away” translations and entries subito, immediatamente, al più presto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries immediatamente, più, presto, subito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
