Subito is an adverb (it modifies a verb) that can be translated into English as “immediately”, “right away” or “at once”.
Subito
Immediately, right away, at once
Subito in Italian: Examples
Dobbiamo subito portare Paolo in ospedale.
We have to take Paul to the hospital right away.
Ora non ho tempo… devo proprio farlo subito?
I don’t have time now… Do I really have to do it right now?
Vieni subito qui, Mattia!
Come here right now, Mattia!
Dobbiamo agire subito. Se aspettiamo, sarà troppo tardi.
We must act immediately. If we wait, it will be too late.
Chiudi subito quella porta!
Close that door at once!
Using subito in Italian
We’ve said that subito in Italian is an adverb that can mean “immediately”, “right away” or “at once”, so it’s used to convey haste. It is perfectly interchangeable with immediatamente, which literally means immediately. This last adverb, however, is less common than subito.
Immediatamente
Immediately
Unlike English, subito is most often placed immediately after a verb, not at the end of the sentence.
Devo preparare subito i bagagli.
I must pack my luggage immediately.
(after the verb preparare)
Note, however, that subito can also mean “quickly” when it’s used as a synonym for “soon”.
Devo partire subito, prima ancora dell’alba.
I must leave quickly, even before dawn.
More free Italian resources
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