prepárate
/pɾepaɾate/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'brace yourself' is translated into Spanish as prepárate.
prepárate is used to tell someone to brace themselves for something, such as bad news or to get ready for an upcoming event. While it can be used metaphorically, it is also the standard way to say 'get ready' for any situation.
What does it mean word for word?
prepárate is a combination of the verb preparar (to prepare) and the reflexive pronoun te (yourself).
Which one should you use?
While prepárate covers both 'brace yourself' and 'get ready', you might use Agárrate fuerte if you want to literally say 'hold on tight'. The latter is a friendly way to tell someone to brace themselves for something occurring both physically or emotionally.
How does it change in a sentence?
To tell a group of people to brace themselves, use the plural form prepárense.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾepaɾate/
Did you know?
- While prepárate is used for preparation, the phrase agárrate literally means 'grab yourself' or 'clutch yourself'. It is the common way to tell someone to brace for a sudden shock, like a car braking or a plot twist in a movie.
- In many Latin American countries, telling someone prepárate with a certain tone can function as a playful or even menacing warning. It acts more like the English expression 'you're in for it' than a simple instruction to get ready.
- To suggest someone brace themselves by staying alert to avoid injury, one might say estáte atento. This literally translates to 'be attentive' rather than using a word for preparation or bracing.
Examples in context
- ¡Prepárate!Brace yourself!This sentence is useful for an emphatic command.Tatoeba #1529458 by marcelostockle, translation #6633644 by Eccles17
- Prepárate.Brace yourself.This sentence is useful for a standard command.Tatoeba #730482 by chinopinyin, translation #3024482 by CK
- Prepárate para las malas noticias.Brace yourself for the bad news.
Example conversation
Sofía tells Javier that a large storm is coming.
- SofíaJavier, prepárate porque viene una tormenta fuerte.Javier, brace yourself because a strong storm is coming.
- Javier¿Es muy peligrosa la situación?Is the situation very dangerous?
- SofíaSí, te lo advierto.Yes, I am warning you.
- JavierGracias por avisarme, Sofía.Thanks for letting me know, Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
