What does it mean word for word?
The word irme is the reflexive form of ir (to go), which adds the nuance of leaving or departing from a place.
Which one should you use?
The phrase estoy listo para irme specifically includes the intent to depart, whereas estoy listo simply means one is prepared for a task or state. Additionally, using estoy listo para ir is more general, implying readiness to travel or head towards a destination rather than the specific act of leaving a location.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must match the gender of the speaker: if the speaker is female, change listo to lista to say estoy lista para irme. To turn the statement into a question directed at someone else, change estoy (I am) to estás (you are) and irme (to leave myself) to irte (to leave yourself), resulting in estás listo para irte?
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word listo can mean both 'ready' and 'smart'. Depending on the context, saying estoy listo might be interpreted as claiming you are clever rather than prepared to leave.
- The word listo may share an ancient root with the English word 'list', which in Old English meant 'knowledge' or 'cunning'.
Examples in context
- Cuando quiera, estoy listo para irme.Whenever you're ready, I am ready to go.
- Estoy preparado para irme, ¿a qué hora salimos?I am ready to go, what time are we leaving?
- Estoy listo para irme, ¿vamos ahora?I am ready to go, shall we go now?
- Ya estoy listo para irme.I am ready to go now.
- Tengo las llaves, así que estoy listo para irme.I have the keys, so I am ready to go.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are leaving a party.
- MaríaMateo, ¿ya tienes tu abrigo?Mateo, do you have your coat yet?
- MateoSí, estoy listo para irme.Yes, I am ready to go.
- MaríaPerfecto, vamos al coche entonces.Perfect, let's go to the car then.
- MateoVamos, María.Let's go, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries listo, para, CC BY-SA 4.0.
