Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Soon in Spanish
Pronto · adverb · PROHN-toh
The Spanish word for soon is 'pronto,' a versatile adverb meaning that something will happen in the near future. Alternatives like 'dentro de poco' and 'en breve' add variety to express the same idea with slightly different levels of formality.
Pronounce 'pronto' as PROHN-toh, with the stress on the first syllable. The 'o' sounds are open and clear.
Llegaré pronto, no te preocupes.
I'll arrive soon, don't worry.
soon in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for soon, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| pronto | soon | PROHN-toh | Default, widely understood |
| dentro de poco | soon | in a little while | |
| en breve | soon | formal, shortly |
How Native Speakers Use Pronto
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Promising arrival
Estaré allí pronto.
I will be there soon.
Reassuring someone you're on your way.
Anticipating an event
Pronto será Navidad.
Soon it will be Christmas.
Expressing excitement about an upcoming holiday.
Formal announcement
En breve comenzará la conferencia.
The conference will begin soon.
A formal or professional setting.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Pronto
Confusing 'pronto' with the Italian meaning
Incorrect: ¡Pronto! (expecting it to mean 'hello' on the phone).
Correct: ¡Hola! / ¡Bueno! / ¡Diga!
In Italian, 'pronto' is used to answer the phone, but in Spanish 'pronto' only means 'soon.' Phone greetings vary by country: 'bueno' in Mexico, 'diga' in Spain.
Using 'pronto' as 'ready'
Incorrect: La cena está pronto.
Correct: La cena está lista.
Unlike in Portuguese or Italian where 'pronto' can mean 'ready,' in Spanish it only means 'soon.' The word for 'ready' is 'listo/lista.'
Lock in soon Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Pronto used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using pronto in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Llegaré pronto, no te preocupes. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About soon in Spanish
- What is the difference between 'pronto' and 'dentro de poco'?
- Both mean 'soon,' but 'pronto' is more concise and casual, while 'dentro de poco' (in a little while) gives a slightly more specific sense that the wait will be brief.
- Can 'pronto' mean 'early' in Spanish?
- In certain contexts, 'pronto' can indeed mean early, as in 'llegué muy pronto' (I arrived very early), though 'temprano' is the more standard word for early.
- How do you say 'as soon as possible' in Spanish?
- The common phrase is 'lo antes posible' or 'lo más pronto posible,' both meaning as soon as possible — often abbreviated in writing as 'lo antes posible.'