preparatorio
/pɾepaɾaˈtoɾjo/
The English word "preparatory" is translated into Spanish as preparatorio.
The word is an adjective used to describe something that is of or pertaining to preparation.
Meaning: of or pertaining to preparation (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, preparatoria is the most common term for preparatory school or education.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form preparatoria if the noun is feminine, the masculine plural form preparatorios if the noun is masculine and plural or the feminine plural form preparatorias if the noun is feminine and plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾepaɾaˈtoɾjo/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, a student in la preparatoria is often referred to as a prepa student, a common slang abbreviation.
- While preparatoria is the standard term for high school in Mexico, other Spanish speaking countries use bachillerato or secundaria.
- In certain legal contexts in Spanish, an auto preparatorio refers to a specific type of court order used to organize a trial.
Examples in context
- Mi hermana estudia en un colegio preparatorio.My sister studies at a preparatory school.
- Mi amigo va a empezar la prepa el próximo año.My friend is starting preparatory school next year.
- Después de la ESO, los estudiantes hacen el bachillerato.After compulsory secondary education, students enter the preparatory course.
- Voy a inscribirme en la preparatoria este año.I'm going to enroll in preparatory school this year.
- un examen preparatorioA preparatory exam
- El curso preparatorio es muy útil.The preparatory course is very useful.
- Hicimos un examen preparatorio ayer.We took a preparatory exam yesterday.
- Necesito leer el material preparatorio.I need to read the preparatory material.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are talking about their university requirements.
- LucíaAlejandro, ¿ya terminaste el curso preparatorio?Alejandro, have you already finished the preparatory course?
- AlejandroTodavía no, me falta una semana.Not yet, I have one week left.
- LucíaEs muy importante para entrar a la carrera.It is very important to enter the degree program.
- AlejandroLo sé, voy a estudiar mucho.I know, I am going to study a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “preparatory” translations and entries preparatorio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
