preparada
“preparada” means “ready” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
ready, prepared
Also: set
📝 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.
qualified, educated
Also: capable
📝 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.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: preparada
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'preparada' to mean 'qualified' or 'educated'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *praeparare*, which means 'to make ready beforehand' or 'to furnish'. It entered Spanish very early, keeping its original meaning of setting things in order.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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').