a presto
/a‿pˈprɛs.to/
In Italian, "see you soon" is translated as a presto. Wiktionary also lists ci vediamo.
Meaning: goodbye (intj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| a presto | /a‿pˈprɛs.to/ |
| ci vediamo | /ˌt͡ʃi‿v.veˈdja.mo/ |
The phrase a presto is a way to say "see you soon" when parting ways. You might also encounter the more conversational ci vediamo, which translates to "see you" or "we'll see each other".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase a presto literally means "to soon". The alternative ci vediamo is a reflexive construction that literally means "we see each other".
Which one should you use?
A presto is a concise, formulaic expression. In contrast, ci vediamo is more conversational and emphasizes the mutual action of meeting up again.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of a presto is /a‿pˈprɛs.to/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word presto in the phrase a presto shares a common root with the verb prestare, which means 'to lend'.
- While a presto is a quick parting, the word presto itself is also the standard musical instruction for 'fast' or 'quick'.
- The word presto can also be used to mean 'early', such as in the phrase svegliarsi presto meaning 'to wake up early'.
Examples in context
- A stasera! A presto!See you tonight! See you soon!This example shows how to use a presto alongside another parting phrase.Tatoeba #2721226 by Guybrush88, translation #630618 by vicch
- A presto!See you soon!This example demonstrates the standalone use of a presto.Tatoeba #426860 by Pharamp, translation #32672 by CK
- A presto.I'll see you soon.This example shows a presto used in a more declarative sense.Tatoeba #2701719 by Guybrush88, translation #953811 by CK
- Grazie per l'incontro. Arrivederci presto!Thank you for the meeting. See you soon!
- Altrettanto, a presto!Likewise, see you soon!
- Ci vediamo presto, amico!See you soon, my friend!
- A dopo!See you later!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are leaving a cafe after meeting for coffee.
- GiuliaCiao Matteo, a presto!Bye Matteo, see you soon!
- MatteoSì, a presto, Giulia.Yes, see you soon, Giulia.
- GiuliaTi mando un messaggio.I will send you a message.
- MatteoVa bene, ciao!Okay, bye!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “see you soon” translations and entries a presto, ci vediamo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, ci, presto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
