preparativo
“preparativo” means “preparation” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
preparation
Also: arrangement
📝 In Action
Estamos con los preparativos de la boda.
A2We are busy with the wedding preparations.
Los preparativos para el viaje tomaron mucho tiempo.
B1The preparations for the trip took a lot of time.
Faltan los últimos preparativos para la fiesta.
B1The final preparations for the party are missing.
preparatory
Also: preliminary
📝 In Action
Tomamos algunas medidas preparativas antes de la tormenta.
B2We took some preparatory measures before the storm.
Es un curso preparativo para el examen oficial.
C1It is a preparatory course for the official exam.
Iniciaron la fase preparativa del proyecto.
C1They started the preparatory phase of the project.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: preparativo
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'preparativos' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'praeparatīvus', which comes from 'praeparāre' (to prepare). The Latin parts mean 'prae-' (before) and 'parāre' (to make ready).
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'preparativo' the same as 'preparación'?
Not quite. 'Preparación' is the general act of preparing. 'Preparativos' (plural) refers to the specific, practical tasks you do, like buying tickets, cleaning the house, or cooking for a party.
Can I use 'preparativo' in the singular?
Yes, but it is rare. You might hear 'un preparativo importante' (an important preparation), but 90% of the time, Spanish speakers use the plural 'preparativos'.
Does 'preparativo' mean 'ready'?
No. To say someone is 'ready', you use the adjective 'listo' or 'preparado'. 'Preparativo' refers to the tasks done beforehand.