presta
“presta” means “lends” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
lends, loan
Also: loans out
📝 In Action
Mi hermana me presta su coche los fines de semana.
A2My sister lends me her car on weekends.
Presta tu chaqueta a María, tiene frío.
A2Lend your jacket to María, she is cold. (Informal command)
El banco nunca presta dinero sin aval.
B1The bank never loans money without collateral.
pays, gives
Also: offers
📝 In Action
El estudiante nunca presta atención en clase.
B1The student never pays attention in class.
Presta más atención a lo que te digo.
B1Pay more attention to what I tell you. (Informal command)
La Cruz Roja presta servicios esenciales a la comunidad.
B2The Red Cross provides essential services to the community.
is good, is suitable
Also: is conducive
📝 In Action
Esta playa presta para hacer surf.
C1This beach is good/suitable for surfing.
El ambiente de la fiesta presta mucho.
C1The atmosphere of the party is really cool/fun. (Spain slang)
La situación no se presta a bromas.
B2The situation does not lend itself to jokes (It's not suitable for jokes).
Indicative
Present
Preterite
Imperfect
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "presta" in Spanish:
gives→is conducive→is good→is suitable→lends→loan→loans out→offers→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: presta
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'presta' as an informal command?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'presta' comes from the Latin verb *praestare*, which meant 'to stand before,' 'to be superior,' but also 'to offer' or 'to guarantee.' This history explains why the Spanish word means both 'to lend' (offer something) and 'to give attention' (offer a service).
First recorded: Around the 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 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
Is 'presta' the same as 'borrow'?
No. 'Prestar' (which yields 'presta') means 'to lend' (to give something temporarily). To 'borrow' is 'pedir prestado' (to ask for something lent).
How do I know if 'presta' is a command or a statement?
If 'presta' is at the beginning of a sentence and directed at someone, it’s usually a command ('Presta tu lápiz'). If it follows a subject like 'él,' 'ella,' or 'el banco,' it's a statement about what that person or thing is doing ('Ella presta ayuda').