Inklingo
← Dictionary

preparando

preh-pah-RAHN-doh/pɾepaˈɾando/

“preparando” means “preparing” in Spanish (action in progress).

preparing, getting ready

Also: making
A smiling child wearing a chef's hat and apron is actively stirring cake batter in a large mixing bowl with a wooden spoon, illustrating the continuous action of preparing.
infinitivepreparar
gerundpreparando
past Participlepreparado

📝 In Action

Estamos preparando la cena ahora mismo.

A1

We are preparing dinner right now.

¿Qué estás preparando para el examen de mañana?

A2

What are you preparing for tomorrow's exam?

Mi hermana lleva meses preparándose para el maratón.

B1

My sister has been preparing for the marathon for months.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • alistando (getting ready)
  • elaborando (making/elaborating)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • estar preparando – to be preparing
  • seguir preparando – to continue preparing

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "preparando" in Spanish:

getting ready→making→preparing→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: preparando

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'preparando' to describe an ongoing action?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The verb 'preparar' comes from the Latin word 'praeparare,' which means 'to make ready beforehand.' The '-ando' ending is the standard way Spanish forms its continuous action words from verbs ending in '-ar.'

First recorded: Medieval Latin (via Spanish verb 'preparar')

Cognates (Related words)

English: preparingItalian: preparando

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'preparando' by itself without 'estar'?

Rarely. 'Preparando' needs a helping verb like 'estar' (to be) to show that the action is happening right now, or 'seguir' (to continue) to show continuity. If you use it alone, it sounds incomplete, like saying 'I preparing' in English.