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PhrasesFirst DateSei pronta?
A1informal

Sei pronta?

Are you ready?

Pronunciation

SEI PRONta — two short words, stress on 'pron-'. The 'ei' in 'sei' sounds like the 'ay' in 'say'.

When to use it

Said when picking someone up for a date or when you're both about to leave. For a man: 'Sei pronto?'

What it means

'Sei' is the second person singular of 'essere' (to be). 'Pronta' is the feminine adjective meaning 'ready'. This is one of the first things said at the start of an outing and sets a light, anticipatory tone.

Variations

Possiamo andare?

Shall we go?

Softer and more collaborative — implies you are both deciding together

Ci sei?

Are you there? / You ready?

Very colloquial — used among close friends or when texting before a date

Ti aspetto fuori.

I'll wait for you outside.

Said when arriving early and giving the other person a moment

Mini Dialogue

— Ciao! Sei pronta? — Sì, un secondo solo — prendo la borsa. — Nessuna fretta. Abbiamo tutto il tempo. — Eccomi! Andiamo?

— Hi! Are you ready? — Yes, just a second — I'll grab my bag. — No rush. We have all the time in the world. — Here I am! Shall we go?

Cultural Note

In Italy, punctuality on a first date is more relaxed than in northern Europe. Arriving five to ten minutes late is common and not considered rude. However, keeping someone waiting more than fifteen minutes without a message is poor form.