presto
/ˈprɛs.to/
The Italian word for soon is presto. Wiktionary also lists a breve.
Meaning: within a short time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| presto | /ˈprɛs.to/ |
| a breve |
Both presto and a breve are used to indicate that something will happen within a short time. The expression a presto is a very common way to say "see you soon" when parting ways. In informal exchanges, you might also hear tra un attimo to mean "in a moment".
Which one should you use?
presto can mean both "soon" and "early" depending on the context. In contrast, a breve specifically means "shortly" or "in a short time".
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈprɛs.to/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, presto is actually a 'deverbal' noun, meaning it was formed from the verb prestare, which means 'to lend'.
- The word presto is a relative of the English word 'prestidigitation', which refers to the 'quick' hand movements of a magician.
- While presto is the standard way to say 'soon', the musical term 'presto' is used globally to indicate a very fast tempo.
Examples in context
- Io ci sarò presto.I'll be there soon.This sentence shows how to use presto to indicate arriving somewhere soon.Tatoeba #2020310 by Guybrush88, translation #1280493 by CK
- Sarò a casa presto.I'll be home soon.This sentence demonstrates the use of presto regarding being home soon.Tatoeba #2564504 by Guybrush88, translation #2549121 by CK
- Tom lo farà presto.Tom will do that soon.This sentence illustrates using presto to describe an action happening soon.Tatoeba #6109126 by Guybrush88, translation #6108784 by CK
- Riceverai una risposta a breve.You will receive a response soon.
- La riunione comincerà tra poco.The meeting will start soon.
- Il rapporto sarà consegnato entro breve.The report will be submitted soon.
- Ci vediamo fra poco.See you soon.
- Ti chiamo tra un attimo.I'll call you in a moment.
- 1230 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are waiting for a bus.
- SofiaPensi che l'autobus arrivi presto?Do you think the bus will arrive soon?
- LorenzoSì, dovrebbe essere qui tra due minuti.Yes, it should be here in two minutes.
- SofiaSperiamo, perché ho un appuntamento.I hope so, because I have an appointment.
- LorenzoNon preoccuparti, arriverai presto a destinazione.Don't worry, you will arrive at your destination soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soon” translations and entries presto, a breve, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, breve, presto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
