Significado
Telling someone to be quick.
Contexto cultural
In Italy, being 5-10 minutes late (lo scarto di cortesia) is often socially acceptable. 'Fai presto' is used when that limit is being exceeded. In Naples, you might hear 'Fa' ampress'' instead of 'Fai presto'. It's the dialectal version and carries a very strong sense of immediate action. The phrase is historically significant due to a famous 1980 newspaper headline pleading for help after a devastating earthquake. At a busy Italian bar, 'fai presto' is rarely said to the barista; instead, one uses 'appena puoi' (as soon as you can) to show respect for their craft.
The 'Dai' Boost
Add 'Dai' (Come on) before 'fai presto' to sound more like a native. 'Dai, fai presto!'
Watch the Tone
If said too loudly or sharply, it can sound like you are angry. Keep it light unless you're truly frustrated.
Significado
Telling someone to be quick.
The 'Dai' Boost
Add 'Dai' (Come on) before 'fai presto' to sound more like a native. 'Dai, fai presto!'
Watch the Tone
If said too loudly or sharply, it can sound like you are angry. Keep it light unless you're truly frustrated.
Subjunctive Use
For B1+ learners: Use 'faccia' in 'Spero che tu faccia presto' to sound more advanced.
Regional Variations
In Rome, you might hear 'fà presto' with a truncated 'a'. It's very common in casual speech.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of 'fare' to tell a group of friends to hurry up.
Ragazzi, ________ presto! Il film comincia!
'Fate' is the imperative form for 'voi' (you all).
Which phrase is the most natural way to tell a friend to be quick?
A: Fai velocemente! B: Fai presto! C: Fai prima!
'Fai presto' is the standard idiomatic expression for 'hurry up'.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
Mamma: 'Marco, la cena è pronta!' Marco: 'Arrivo tra un minuto.' Mamma: '________, si raffredda tutto!'
The mother wants Marco to hurry so the food doesn't get cold.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You are at a formal office and need a clerk to finish a document quickly.
In a formal setting, use the 'Lei' form 'faccia'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Presto vs. Prima
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosRagazzi, ________ presto! Il film comincia!
'Fate' is the imperative form for 'voi' (you all).
A: Fai velocemente! B: Fai presto! C: Fai prima!
'Fai presto' is the standard idiomatic expression for 'hurry up'.
Mamma: 'Marco, la cena è pronta!' Marco: 'Arrivo tra un minuto.' Mamma: '________, si raffredda tutto!'
The mother wants Marco to hurry so the food doesn't get cold.
You are at a formal office and need a clerk to finish a document quickly.
In a formal setting, use the 'Lei' form 'faccia'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasOnly if you have a very close, informal relationship. Otherwise, use 'faccia presto' or 'abbia pazienza, è urgente'.
They are very similar, but 'sbrigati' is more forceful and specifically means 'hurry yourself up'.
No, 'presto' can also mean 'early' (e.g., 'Mi sveglio presto' - I wake up early).
Use the plural form: 'Fate presto!'
It's grammatically correct but sounds less natural than 'fai presto'.
The opposite would be 'fai con calma' (take your time).
Yes, in informal emails, texts, and scripts.
In Italian, many expressions of 'acting' use 'fare' (to do/make) rather than 'essere' (to be).
Yes! Italians often talk to objects. 'Fai presto, stupido computer!'
Between friends, no. It's a normal part of social interaction.
No, 'fai' and 'presto' are the same whether you talk to a man or a woman.
It's a common idiom meaning 'it's easy to say [but hard to do]'.
Frases relacionadas
sbrigati
synonymhurry up
muoviti
similarmove it
in fretta
builds onin a hurry
fare tardi
contrastto be late
datti una mossa
specialized formget a move on
