Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| arreglar | /areˈɡlaɾ/ |
| preparar | /pɾepaˈɾaɾ/ |
| disponer | /dispoˈneɾ/ |
| alistar | /alisˈtaɾ/ |
These verbs are used to describe the act of making something ready or preparing for an event.
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb depends on the specific nuance of the situation. preparar is used when the focus is on the process of preparation, such as preparing a meal or a lesson. alistar often implies the final act of getting oneself ready to leave or start an activity. While arreglar can mean to get something ready, it is more commonly used to mean 'to fix' a broken object or 'to tidy up' a room. disponer is a more formal term that often refers to arranging things in a specific order or having something at one's disposal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Spanish-speaking countries, alistar can also mean to enlist in the military.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are getting yourself ready rather than preparing an object, you must use a reflexive form, such as alistarse or prepararse.
How do you pronounce it?
/areˈɡlaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word listo used in alistar can mean both 'ready' and 'smart' depending on the context.
- The word arreglar shares its ancient roots with the English word 'regal' and the Latin word 'regere' meaning 'to rule'.
- In many contexts, arreglarse doesn't just mean getting ready, but specifically refers to the process of applying makeup, styling hair and dressing up.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ayúdame a preparar para esta clase.Please help me get ready for this class.This sentence is useful for using preparar to ask for help with preparation.Tatoeba #9171488 by ecorralest101, translation #9169756 by DJ_Saidez
- Hay que alistarse temprano porque el tren no espera.We'd better get ready early because the train won't wait.This sentence shows how to use alistar in the context of getting ready for a departure.Tatoeba #2259802 by cueyayotl, translation #2259801 by _undertoad
- Voy a prepararme para los exámenes finales esta tarde.I'm going to get ready for the final exams this afternoon.This sentence demonstrates using the reflexive form of preparar for personal preparation.Tatoeba #1563185 by teskmon, translation #1233173 by CK
- Benito, prepárese para la reunión importante de hoy.Benito, get ready for today's important meeting.
- ¡Prepárate! Vamos a salir en cinco minutos.Get ready! We're leaving in five minutes.
- ¡Arréglate rápido! No queremos llegar tarde al cine.Get ready quickly! We don't want to be late for the movies.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are at home preparing for a dinner party.
- ElenaMateo, ¿puedes arreglar la sala para los invitados?Mateo, can you get the living room ready for the guests?
- MateoSí, Elena, yo lo haré ahora mismo.Yes, Elena, I will do it right now.
- ElenaGracias, yo voy a arreglar la cocina.Thank you, I am going to get the kitchen ready.
- MateoPerfecto, así todo estará listo pronto.Perfect, that way everything will be ready soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “get ready” translations and entries arreglar, preparar, disponer, alistar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alistar, arreglar, disponer, preparar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
