preparar
“preparar” means “to prepare” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to prepare
Also: to get ready, to set up
📝 In Action
Tengo que preparar mi maleta para el viaje.
A1I have to prepare my suitcase for the trip.
Estamos preparando una fiesta sorpresa.
A2We are preparing a surprise party.
to make, to cook
📝 In Action
Mi abuela prepara el mejor café del mundo.
A1My grandmother makes the best coffee in the world.
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: preparar
Question 1 of 1
How would you tell a group of people to 'prepare' (polite/formal) for a meeting?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'praeparare', where 'prae' means 'before' and 'parare' means 'to make ready'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do I use 'prepare' instead of 'prepara'?
Use 'prepare' for formal commands (usted) or in 'what if' sentences (subjunctive). Use 'prepara' for informal commands (tú) or when saying 'he/she prepares'.