disponer
“disponer” means “to have available” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to have available
Also: to dispose of, to command
📝 In Action
No disponemos de mucho tiempo para la reunión.
B1We don't have much time available for the meeting.
El hotel dispone de una piscina climatizada.
A2The hotel has a heated pool available.
Usted puede disponer de su dinero en cualquier momento.
B2You can use your money at any time.
to arrange
Also: to set out
📝 In Action
Ella dispuso los platos sobre la mesa con mucho cuidado.
B1She arranged the plates on the table very carefully.
El director dispuso las sillas en círculo.
B2The director set out the chairs in a circle.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: disponer
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly says 'I have time'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'disponere', which combines 'dis-' (meaning apart or in different directions) and 'ponere' (to place). It literally meant to place things in different spots to organize them.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'tener' and 'disponer de'?
'Tener' is the general word for 'to have'. 'Disponer de' is more specific; it means you have something available and ready to be used. It sounds more formal and precise.
Does 'disponer' mean 'to throw away' like in English 'dispose'?
Not usually. In Spanish, to throw away is 'tirar' or 'desechar'. 'Disponer' is about arranging things or having them available.
Is 'disponerse' different?
Yes! When you add '-se' (disponerse a), it means 'to get ready to do something'. For example: 'Me dispongo a estudiar' means 'I am getting ready to study'.