Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| arreglar | /areˈɡlaɾ/ |
| preparar | /pɾepaˈɾaɾ/ |
| disponer | /dispoˈneɾ/ |
| alistar | /alisˈtaɾ/ |
The phrase 'get ready' translates to several different verbs in Spanish. Alistarse can mean to get ready in a general sense, but it is also the specific term used for enlisting in the military. Disponer is used for arranging or providing things in a specific order.
Which one should you use?
Arreglar is often used to mean 'to fix' or 'to tidy up' a space, whereas prepararse is used for a person getting ready. Preparar is used for preparing objects or events, such as a meal or a lesson, while prepararse is used for a person preparing themselves. Disponer is more formal and refers to arranging or setting things in a specific order rather than the act of a person getting dressed or ready.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you will often hear the phrase alístate in informal contexts to mean 'get ready'. In Spain, you may hear the variation prepárate tú to emphasize the action.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are getting yourself ready, you must use the reflexive form of the verb, such as prepararse or alistarse.
How do you pronounce it?
/areˈɡlaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the word listo can mean both 'ready' and 'smart'. Depending on the verb used, saying someone is listo could be a comment on their preparation or their intelligence.
- The verb arreglar shares a deep ancestral root with the English word 'regal'. Both come from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₃reǵ-, which relates to leading, ruling or straightening.
- While arreglar means 'to get ready' or 'to fix', it is also used to describe the act of 'straightening out' a complex problem or a legal dispute.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ayúdame a preparar para esta clase.Please help me get ready for this class.This sentence shows how to use preparar to mean getting ready for a class.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 demonstrates the use of alistarse to express needing to get ready early.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 illustrates how to use prepararme (a form of preparar) when getting ready for exams.Tatoeba #1563185 by teskmon, translation #1233173 by CK
- Por favor, prepárese para la reunión de mañana.Please get ready for tomorrow's meeting.
- Vamos a salir. ¡Prepárate!We're going out. Get ready!
- Me estoy preparandoI am getting ready
- Te estás preparandoYou are getting ready
- Prepárense para las 8 de la mañana.Get ready for 8 a.m.
- Prepárate bien, la fiesta comienza en una hora.Get ready, the party starts in an hour.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are in their living room before a party.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿ya vas a arreglar tu maleta?Sofía, are you going to get your suitcase ready now?
- SofíaSí, necesito arreglar mis cosas rápido.Yes, I need to get my things ready quickly.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, yo te ayudo.Don't worry, I will help you.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro, eres muy amable.Thanks, Alejandro, you are very kind.
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.
