¡en sus marcas, listos, ya!
The English phrase "ready, set, go!" is translated into Spanish as ¡en sus marcas, listos, ya!
This phrase is used to start a race or a timed competition.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of three parts: en sus marcas which literally means "on your marks", listos meaning "ready" and ya which means "now" or "already", serving as the signal to start.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the plural forms sus and listos because it is typically addressed to a group of competitors.
Did you know?
- The word listos can also mean 'clever' or 'smart' in Spanish, creating a double meaning where the racers are both 'ready' and 'sharp'.
- In many Latin American countries, you might hear a single word ¡Fuera! to signal the start of a race instead of the full phrase.
- While ya means 'now' in this phrase, it is also used as a conversational filler to mean 'I see' or 'I understand' during a discussion.
Examples in context
- El entrenador gritó: ¡en sus marcas, listos, ya!The coach shouted, "Ready, set, go!"
- Solo falta decir: ¡en sus marcas, listos, ya!All that's left is to say, "Ready, set, go!"
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are at the starting line of a running race.
- Mateo¿Estás lista para la carrera, Lucía?Are you ready for the race, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, estoy muy nerviosa, Mateo.Yes, I am very nervous, Mateo.
- Mateo¡En sus marcas, listos, ya!Ready, set, go!
- Lucía¡Ahí voy!Here I go!
