¿estás listo?
The English phrase "are you ready?" is translated into Spanish as ¿estás listo?
This phrase is used to ask if someone has finished their preparations for an activity or an event.
Which one should you use?
The meaning of the word listo/a depends on the verb used with it.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must change to match the gender and number of the person you are addressing. If you are speaking to a single female, you must change the adjective to the feminine form ¿estás lista? To ask a group of people if they are ready, use the plural form ¿están listos?
When do people say it?
When someone asks if you are ready, a common way to respond is Sí, estoy listo if you are male or Sí, estoy lista if you are female.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking contexts, calling someone listo as a compliment might actually be an insult, implying they are 'sly' or 'cunning' rather than just 'prepared'.
- While estás listo means 'you are ready', using the verb ser to say eres listo changes the meaning entirely to 'you are clever'.
- Some linguists believe listo comes from the Proto-Germanic root for 'cunning' or 'art', which is also the ancestor of the Old English word 'list'.
Examples in context
- ¿Está usted preparado/a para la reunión?Are you ready for the meeting?
- ¿Se encuentra usted listo/a para firmar el contrato?Are you ready to sign the contract?
- ¿Estás listo/a para la fiesta de esta noche?Are you ready for tonight's party?
- ¿Están listos/as para comenzar el juego?Are you all ready to start the game?
- Ya tengo las llaves, ¿estás listo?I have the keys, are you ready?
- El taxi espera, ¿estás listo?The taxi is waiting, are you ready?
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are in the living room preparing to leave for a party.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿estás listo?Daniel, are you ready?
- DanielSí, ya tengo mi chaqueta.Yes, I already have my jacket.
- ElenaPerfecto, vamos a la fiesta.Perfect, let's go to the party.
- Daniel¡Vamos!Let's go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries listo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
