What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of preparare (to prepare) and the reflexive pronoun suffix -si (oneself).
Which one should you use?
You should use the non-reflexive form preparare when you are preparing an object, such as a meal, but use the reflexive prepararsi when you are preparing yourself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Italy and Sicily, the phrase Mi sto agghindando is used to imply getting ready for a special occasion or dressing up.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the first-person singular, the reflexive pronoun mi is used before the conjugated verb, as in mi preparo (I get ready). For the second-person singular, the reflexive pronoun ti is placed before the verb, such as in ti prepari (you get ready).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /pre.paˈrar.si/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- If someone is 'getting ready' for a fight or a challenge, Italians might use the expression tirarsi su le maniche, which literally means 'to pull up one's sleeves'.
- The root of preparare is linked to the Latin 'parare', which meant to set something in order or to make it fit for use.
- While prepararsi is the standard, Italians often use the verb mettersi with a piece of clothing, such as mettersi la giacca, to express the act of getting ready by putting on an outfit.
Examples in context
- È ora di prepararsi.It's time to get ready.This sentence is useful for the form prepararsi.Tatoeba #4515502 by Guybrush88, translation #2891647 by CK
- Le dica di prepararsi.Tell her to get ready.Tatoeba #5796572 by Guybrush88, translation #3907957 by CH
- Gli dica di prepararsi.Tell him to get ready.Tatoeba #5796576 by Guybrush88, translation #3907956 by CH
- Mi sto preparando per uscire stasera.I am getting ready to go out tonight.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are getting ready to go out for dinner.
- GiuliaDevi prepararsi subito, Matteo!You need to get ready right now, Matteo!
- MatteoHo solo bisogno di cinque minuti.I only need five minutes.
- GiuliaIo sto finendo di prepararsi.I am finishing getting ready.
- MatteoVa bene, scendo tra poco.Alright, I'll be down shortly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry prepararsi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
