preparar
/pɾepaˈɾaɾ/
To make something ready for use or to get someone ready for a future event is preparar in Spanish.
Preparar is used for the general act of making something ready. It is commonly used when talking about the act of cooking or preparing a meal, such as in the phrase preparar la comida. While it covers the process of getting things ready, note that cocinar specifically means to cook.
Which one should you use?
While preparar is the standard way to say to prepare or make ready, you might use other words depending on the context. For instance, cocinar is used when you want to specify the act of cooking.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Latin America, particularly Mexico and Central America, alistar is used as a synonym for preparar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular preterite form is preparé (I prepared). Additionally, the past participle preparado can be used as an adjective to describe something that is ready.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾepaˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- If you describe a person as preparado, you are not just saying they are 'ready', but often that they are highly educated or well-trained for a profession.
- In some contexts, saying estoy preparado can imply a state of mental or emotional readiness, whereas estoy listo often refers to being physically ready to leave the house.
- In Spanish, the word preparado can be used as a noun to describe a specific medicinal or chemical mixture, similar to how English uses the word 'preparation'.
Examples in context
- Necesito preparar un informe para la reunión del consejo.I need to prepare a report for the board meeting.
- Vamos a hacer una fiesta sorpresa para Jorge.We're going to prepare a surprise party for Jorge.
- Tengo que preparar mi maleta para el viaje.I have to prepare my suitcase for the trip.
- Voy a preparar la maleta para el viaje.I am going to prepare my suitcase for the trip.
- Debes preparar todo antes de la reunión.You must prepare everything before the meeting.
- Ella tiene que preparar a los niños para la escuela.She has to get the children ready for school.
Example conversation
Javier and María are in the kitchen before a dinner party.
- Javier¿Puedes ayudarme a preparar la mesa, María?Can you help me prepare the table, María?
- MaríaSí, Javier, yo prepararé los platos ahora.Yes, Javier, I will prepare the plates now.
- JavierGracias, necesito preparar la cena muy pronto.Thanks, I need to prepare dinner very soon.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, yo te ayudo.Don't worry, I will help you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry preparar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
