vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Listo" is a form of "listo", an adjective which is often translated as "smart". "Pronto" is an adverb which is often translated as "soon". Learn more about the difference between "listo" and "pronto" below.
listo(
lees
-
toh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. smart
El chico más listo de la clase sacó unas notas excelentes.The smartest guy in our class got excellent grades.
b. clever
Los jugadores de ajedrez son muy listos.Chess players are very clever.
a. ready
¿Están ya listos? Tenemos que irnos.Are you ready? We have to go.
a. finished
El artículo tiene que estar listo para el jueves.The article has to be finished by Thursday.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
interjection
4. (all right)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. OK
¿Vienen con nosotros? - ¡Listo!Are you coming with us? - OK!
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
pronto(
prohn
-
toh
)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. soon
Pronto llegan tus abuelos de Cuba.Your grandparents are arriving from Cuba soon.
a. fast
Tenemos que entregar esto pronto.We need to turn this in fast.
b. quickly
Órale, llegaste pronto.Wow, you got here quickly.
3. (before the expected time)
Regionalism used in Spain
(Spain)
a. early
Es muy pronto. Creo que todavía no llegan de trabajar.It's too early. I don't think they're home from work yet.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. quick
Su servicio es pronto y conveniente.Their service is quick and convenient.
b. prompt (formal)
Nos dijeron que podemos esperar una pronta respuesta.They told us we can expect a prompt response.
a. ready
Dice mamá que el desayuno está pronto.Mom says breakfast is ready.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.