a presto
/a‿pˈprɛs.to/
The English phrase "see you then" can be translated into Italian as a presto.
This phrase is used to say goodbye when you expect to see someone again soon.
Which one should you use?
If you want to emphasize the specific time previously agreed upon (the 'then' in 'see you then'), you can use ci vediamo allora.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /a‿pˈprɛs.to/.
Did you know?
- In a musical context, the word presto is a command to play a piece of music very quickly. While it means 'soon' in a farewell, a musician hears it as a directive for speed.
- The word presto shares a common ancestor with the English word 'prestige', as both stem from the Latin 'praestare' meaning to stand forth or excel.
- While a presto means 'see you soon', the word presto is also used as an adverb meaning 'early'. For example, waking up at 5 a.m. is svegliarsi presto.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo agree to meet at a cafe.
- SofiaCi vediamo al caffè alle cinque.We'll meet at the cafe at five.
- LorenzoVa bene, perfetto.All right, perfect.
- SofiaAllora a presto, Lorenzo!See you then, Lorenzo!
- LorenzoA presto, Sofia!See you soon, Sofia!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry a presto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, presto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
