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preso

taken; caught; seized

adjective PREH-zoh Rare

Also means

busy; occupied

Usage Note

Preso is the past participle of prendere (to take) and functions both as an adjective and as the past participle in compound tenses with avere: ho preso (I took). When used as an adjective meaning 'busy', it follows the noun or stands alone: sono preso ('I'm tied up'). Do not confuse with prigioniero (prisoner), though preso can colloquially mean 'caught/arrested'.

Examples

"Il ladro è stato preso dalla polizia."

Natural Translation

The thief was caught by the police.

Literal Translation

The thief is been caught by-the police.

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