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PhrasesSaying GoodbyeA presto!
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A presto!

See you soon!

Pronunciation

'A presto' — a PRES-to. Stress on 'presto'. The 'a' is the Italian preposition for 'until' in goodbye phrases.

When to use it

Use when you expect to see someone again relatively soon — within days or weeks. Works in both formal and informal contexts, making it one of Italian's most versatile goodbyes.

What it means

All 'a + time' goodbyes in Italian use 'a' as 'until' — 'a presto' (until soon), 'a domani' (until tomorrow), 'a dopo' (until later). 'Presto' means 'soon'. This construction elegantly turns a goodbye into a promise of reunion.

Variations

A domani!

Until tomorrow! / See you tomorrow!

Specific — implies you'll definitely meet tomorrow. Common in daily routines.

A dopo!

See you later!

'Dopo' (after/later) — used when you'll see the person the same day.

A tra poco!

See you in a bit!

'Tra poco' (in a little while) — very soon, within the hour. Very casual.

Mini Dialogue

— Bene, allora, ci vediamo giovedì? — Sì! A presto! — A presto! Porta i documenti. — Ci penso io, non preoccuparti.

— Right then, shall we see each other on Thursday? — Yes! See you soon! — See you soon! Bring the documents. — I'll take care of it, don't worry.

Cultural Note

Italian goodbyes often include logistical reminders for the next meeting ('porta i documenti' — bring the documents, 'non dimenticare la giacca' — don't forget your jacket). The goodbye conversation extends into the next encounter — very much forward-looking.