Inklingo
Dictionary

presto

PRESS-tohˈpɾesto

“presto” means “I lend” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

I lendA1Verb

giving something temporarily

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readyB2Adjective

prepared for action

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I lendAlso: I provide / I give

VerbA1regular ar
A child handing a colorful toy car to another child.
gerundprestando
past Participleprestado
infinitiveprestar

📝 In Action

Yo siempre le presto mis libros a mi hermana.

A1

I always lend my books to my sister.

Si necesitas dinero, yo te lo presto.

A2

If you need money, I'll lend it to you.

Le presto mucha atención a lo que dice el profesor.

B1

I pay a lot of attention to what the teacher says.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • prestar atención – to pay attention
  • prestar ayuda – to provide help
  • prestar juramento – to take an oath

readyAlso: quick

AdjectivemB2formal
A runner in a starting position on a track, looking forward with focus.

📝 In Action

El equipo está presto para el inicio del torneo.

B2

The team is ready for the start of the tournament.

Siempre está presto a colaborar con nosotros.

C1

He is always ready/willing to collaborate with us.

Dio una respuesta presta y eficaz.

C2

He gave a quick and effective answer.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • desprevenido (unprepared)
  • lento (slow)

Common Collocations

  • estar presto a – to be ready to
  • presta respuesta – quick response

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoprestara
túprestaras
él/ella/ustedprestara
nosotrosprestáramos
vosotrosprestarais
ellos/ellas/ustedesprestaran

Present Subjunctive

yopreste
túprestes
él/ella/ustedpreste
nosotrosprestemos
vosotrosprestéis
ellos/ellas/ustedespresten

Indicative

Preterite

yopresté
túprestaste
él/ella/ustedprestó
nosotrosprestamos
vosotrosprestasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesprestaron

Imperfect

yoprestaba
túprestabas
él/ella/ustedprestaba
nosotrosprestábamos
vosotrosprestabais
ellos/ellas/ustedesprestaban

Present

yopresto
túprestas
él/ella/ustedpresta
nosotrosprestamos
vosotrosprestáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesprestan
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "presto" in Spanish:

i lendquickready

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: presto

Question 1 of 3

If you say 'Yo te presto mi coche', what are you doing?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
prestar(to lend) — Verb
préstamo(loan) — Noun
prestamista(moneylender) — Noun
prestado(borrowed / lent) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
estopuestohonesto
📚 Etymology

The verb comes from Latin 'praestare' (to stand before or provide). The adjective comes from Latin 'praestus' (at hand).

First recorded: 12th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: prestoFrench: prêter

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'presto' mean 'fast' like in music?

While 'presto' means 'fast' in Italian and music terminology, in Spanish it specifically refers to being 'ready' or 'prepared,' though it can imply a quick response.

How do I say 'I borrow' if 'presto' means 'I lend'?

To say 'I borrow,' you use the phrase 'pido prestado' (literally: I ask for lent).

Is 'presto' a common word for beginners?

The verb form (I lend) is very common (A1). The adjective meaning (ready) is more advanced and formal (B2).