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.
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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.
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