Which one should you use?
In an everyday context, arreglado can simply mean someone looks neat or tidy. However, when used to mean "dolled up," it implies a higher level of effort for a special event.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase arreglarse is commonly used to mean "to get ready" or "to fix oneself up" when getting dolled up. You may also use Ponerse guapo/a in Spain to mean "to dress up" or "to make oneself look nice". In some Latin American countries, the informal expression Enchularse is used to mean "to doll oneself up".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the person or people being described. Use arreglada for a woman, arreglado for a man, arreglados for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and arregladas for a group consisting only of women. To express the action of getting ready or getting dolled up, use the reflexive verb form arreglarse.
How do you pronounce it?
/areˈɡlado/
Did you know?
- While arreglado refers to appearance, the same word can describe a 'settled' legal dispute or a 'fixed' gambling match.
- While arreglado refers to a person's appearance, the verb arreglar is also the standard way to say you are 'fixing' or 'repairing' a broken object like a car or a chair.
- In Spain, using the phrase ponerse guapo can be a playful or flirtatious way to suggest someone is dressing up specifically to attract a partner.
Examples in context
- Ella está arreglada para la fiestaShe is all dolled up for the party
- Estaba completamente emperifollada para la galaShe was completely dolled up for the gala
- Voy a arreglarme para la cenaI'm going to get dolled up for dinner
- ¿Por qué te pintaste tanto? Pareces una muñecaWhy did you put on so much makeup? You look like a doll
- Nos vamos a enchular para la fiestaWe're going to doll up for the party
- Ella está muy arreglada para la fiesta.She is all dolled up for the party.
- Vas muy arreglado para la fiesta.You are very dolled up for the party.
- Él va muy arreglado para la boda.He is very dolled up for the wedding.
- Hoy te veo muy arreglado con ese traje.You look very dolled up today in that suit.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are meeting for a fancy date.
- Sofía¡Hola, Alejandro! Estás muy arreglado.Hello, Alejandro! You are very dolled up.
- AlejandroGracias, Sofía. Tú también te ves muy bien.Thank you, Sofía. You look very good too.
- SofíaQuería estar arreglado para esta ocasión.I wanted to be dolled up for this occasion.
- AlejandroLo lograste, te ves muy elegante.You did it, you look very elegant.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry arreglado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
