pronto
/ˈpɾonto/
The English word 'shortly' can be translated into Spanish as pronto.
Pronto is used to mean 'in a short amount of time'. Other ways to express this idea include en pocos minutos (in a few minutes) or the colloquial expression en un pispás, which implies something will be done rapidly.
Meaning: in or after a short time (adv)
Which one should you use?
While pronto can mean 'shortly', it is more commonly translated as 'soon'. If you want to express that an event is happening in the near future, the phrase dentro de poco is often a more natural choice for 'shortly' or 'in a little while'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɾonto/
Did you know?
- To say something will happen 'very shortly', Spanish speakers often use dentro de nada, which literally translates to 'within nothing'.
- The English word 'prompt' is a direct linguistic cousin to the Spanish pronto, as both descend from the Latin promptus, meaning 'ready' or 'prepared'.
- If you say you will arrive pronto, a Spanish speaker might think you mean 'early' rather than 'shortly'.
Examples in context
- Volvieron pronto.They returned shortly.Tatoeba #13737136 by Seael, translation #13906947 by opalandwoof
- Estaré allí pronto.I'll be there shortly.Tatoeba #6606852 by UsuarioX, translation #2547296 by CK
- La reunión comenzará prontoThe meeting will start shortly
- El doctor estará disponible dentro de pocoThe doctor will be available shortly
- Le responderé en breveI will reply shortly
- El vuelo saldrá en pocos minutosThe flight will depart shortly
- Nos vemos en un ratoSee you shortly
- Termino esto en un momentitoI'll finish this shortly
- ¡Respondo tu mensaje en un pispás!I'll reply to your message shortly!
- El informe estará listo prontoThe report will be ready shortly
- Dentro de poco, recibirás una respuesta a tu solicitudShortly, you will receive a response to your request
- Voy a salir de casa en un ratoI'll leave the house shortly
- Termino los deberes en un momentitoI'll finish the homework shortly
- Espero que el tren llegue pronto.I hope the train arrives shortly.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are waiting at a bus stop.
- Sofía¿Crees que el autobús vendrá pronto?Do you think the bus will come shortly?
- AlejandroSí, debe llegar pronto.Yes, it should arrive shortly.
- SofíaQué bueno, tengo prisa.That's good, I am in a hurry.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, Sofía.Don't worry, Sofía.
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.
