prepara
/preh-PAH-rah/
prepares
When someone 'prepara' (prepares) something, they are getting it ready, like mixing ingredients for a cake.
prepara(Verb)
prepares
?He/She/You formal prepares
,gets ready
?setting up an event or meal
makes
?He/She makes (a sandwich, coffee, etc.)
📝 In Action
Mi hermana prepara el desayuno todos los días.
A1My sister prepares breakfast every day.
¿Usted prepara la presentación para mañana?
A2Are you (formal) preparing the presentation for tomorrow?
💡 Grammar Points
Third Person Singular
This form ('prepara') is used when the subject is 'he' (él), 'she' (ella), or the formal 'you' (usted). It always ends in -a for -ar verbs in the present tense.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Result
Use 'prepara' when someone is actively working toward a finished product, like a meal, a trip itinerary, or a speech.
The command form, '¡prepara!' (Prepare!), instructs someone to get ready immediately.
📝 In Action
¡Prepara tu equipaje, nos vamos en una hora!
A2Prepare your luggage, we leave in an hour!
Prepara la cámara, el atardecer es hermoso.
B1Get the camera ready, the sunset is beautiful.
💡 Grammar Points
The Informal Command
For most regular -ar verbs, the informal 'tú' command (telling a friend what to do) is exactly the same as the 'él/ella' present tense form. So 'prepara' means both 'he prepares' and 'Prepare! (you, informal).'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Commands
Mistake: "Using 'tú preparas' as a command."
Correction: The command is simply 'Prepara'. 'Tú preparas' is only used for statements like 'You are preparing.'
To 'prepara' can also mean to train rigorously for a competition or career.
📝 In Action
La atleta prepara su cuerpo para los Juegos Olímpicos.
B1The athlete trains her body for the Olympic Games.
Mi hijo prepara el examen de ingreso a la universidad.
B2My son is studying for the university entrance exam.
💡 Grammar Points
Mental Preparation
When 'prepara' is used for studying or training, it focuses on the mental or physical work being done to achieve a future goal, not just setting up objects.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: prepara
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'prepara' as a direct command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'prepara' have two different meanings (he prepares and Prepare!)?
This is very common in Spanish! For regular verbs like 'preparar', the form used for 'he/she/it prepares' (present tense) is exactly the same as the form used for the informal command 'Prepare!'. You figure out which meaning is intended based on the context and punctuation (like exclamation marks).
What is the reflexive version of 'preparar'?
The reflexive version is 'prepararse' (to prepare oneself or to get ready). For example, 'Ella se prepara' means 'She gets herself ready (for work, for a party, etc.).'