There are four main ways to translate the Italian adverb presto into English: early and soon, which are the most common translations, and quick and easy. Let’s take a look at each translation now!
IPA: /ˈprɛs.to/Presto = Early
One of the most common translations of presto is early. The opposite of the adverb tardi (late), it may also translate as ahead of schedule. Below are a few verbs that are often paired with presto when the meaning is early.
You are watching: What does a presto mean in italian
Mi alzo presto al mattino.
I get up early in the morning.

Presto = Soon
When presto occurs in the following expressions, the meaning is soon rather than early.
il più presto (possible) = as soon as possiblepresto o tardi = sooner or laterben presto = very soontornare presto = to come back soonIt also appears in the greetings A presto! (See you soon!), Ci vediamo presto! (We’ll see each other soon!), Ci sentiamo presto! (We’ll talk soon!) and Guarisci presto! (Get well soon!)
Sarò presto papà!
I’ll soon be a dad!

Some possible synonyms include fra poco, a breve or entro breve tempo. To say as soon as possible, you can also use the word prima (earlier): il prima possibile.
Presto = Quick
When Presto! is used on its own as an exclamation, it means Quick! It also assumes this meaning when paired with the verb fare (to do).
Faccio presto! = I’ll be quick!Faccio il più presto possibile! = I’ll be as quick as possible!Presto, chiama un’ambulanza!
Quick, call an ambulance!

Possible alternatives are veloce (quick) or in fretta (quick / quickly):
Veloce, chiama un’ambulanza! = Quick, call an ambulance!Faccio in fretta! = I’ll be quick!Presto = Easy
Presto translates as easy when it appears in the idiomatic phrase Si fa presto a… which means It’s easy to…
Si fa presto a criticare. = It’s easy to criticise.Si fa presto a dire / fare… = It’s easy to say / do…Si fa presto a fareamicizia con le persone quando si condivide la stessa passione.
It’s easy to make friends with people when you share the same passion.
See more: Why Are Lines Of Latitude Also Called Parallels? ? Latitude And Longitude

Did you know that…?The English expression Presto! (or Hey presto!), which magicians exclaim when announcing the successful completion of a magic trick, comes from the Italian presto.
Do you want to receive an Italian word a day directly into your mailbox? All you have to do is to go to the subscription form and enter your email address. Your personal data won’t be recorded until the form has been submitted successfully. Thank you!