preparada
/preh-pah-RAH-dah/
ready
The squirrel is preparada (ready) for its trip!
preparada(Adjective)
ready
?in a state of readiness
,prepared
?as in food or a meal
set
?informal, ready to go
📝 In Action
¿Están las maletas preparadas para el viaje?
A1Are the suitcases ready for the trip?
La mesa está preparada para la cena.
A2The table is set for dinner.
Ella siempre está preparada para cualquier emergencia.
A2She is always prepared for any emergency.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Ending
Since 'preparada' ends in -a, it must describe a feminine singular noun, like 'la fiesta' (the party) or 'mi amiga' (my friend).
Ser vs. Estar
Use 'estar preparada' (e.g., 'La comida está preparada') to talk about a temporary state or condition (the meal is ready now).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong gender
Mistake: "La casa está preparado."
Correction: La casa está preparada. (Since 'casa' is feminine, the adjective must match.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Fast food vs. homemade
In Spanish, store-bought, pre-made meals are often called 'comidas preparadas'.
This chef is clearly preparada (qualified) to cook!
preparada(Adjective)
qualified
?professionally or academically
,educated
?having extensive training
capable
?able to handle a situation
📝 In Action
Ella es una ingeniera muy preparada para este puesto.
B1She is a highly qualified engineer for this position.
Gracias a sus estudios, se siente más preparada.
B2Thanks to her studies, she feels more capable/trained.
💡 Grammar Points
Ser vs. Estar (Quality)
Use 'ser preparada' (e.g., 'Ella es preparada') to describe a fundamental, inherent quality—her education or training is a permanent part of who she is.
⭐ Usage Tips
Beyond the Basics
When talking about people, 'preparada' suggests not just readiness, but a deep level of professional or intellectual readiness.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: preparada
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'preparada' to mean 'qualified' or 'educated'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'preparada' and 'preparado'?
'Preparada' is the feminine form, used when describing a female person or a feminine noun (like 'la cena' or 'la casa'). 'Preparado' is the masculine form, used for masculine nouns ('el coche' or 'el chico').
Can 'preparada' be used as a verb?
Not by itself. It is the past participle of the verb 'preparar'. It is used with the verb 'haber' to form compound tenses (like 'ha preparado') or with 'ser' or 'estar' to describe a state ('está preparada').