A bright red book is being passed from one hand to another, symbolizing the action of lending.

prestado

press-TAH-doh

AdjectivemA2

lent?describing an object given out,borrowed?describing an object received

Also:on loan?formal context, e.g., museum artifact

📝 In Action

Este libro es prestado, tengo que devolverlo mañana.

This book is borrowed, I have to return it tomorrow.

La ropa prestada siempre es más cómoda.

Borrowed clothes are always more comfortable.

El dinero prestado debe manejarse con cuidado.

Lent money must be handled carefully.

Word Connections

Synonyms

cedido (yielded)

Antonyms

propio (one's own)

Common Collocations

dinero prestado – borrowed money
ropa prestada – borrowed clothes
pedir prestado – to ask to borrow

Idioms & Expressions

a la hora prestada – at the specific time agreed upon (often implying urgency)

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, prestado must change its ending to match the thing it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). For example: la bicicleta prestada (feminine singular) or los zapatos prestados (masculine plural).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Lent vs. Borrowed

Mistake: "Using *prestado* only for items you lent out. Remember, this word describes the state of the object, regardless of who gave or received it."

Correction: Use the phrase *pedir prestado* (literally 'to ask for something lent') when you want to borrow something.

⭐ Usage Tips

The 'Borrowed' Feeling

If you want to emphasize that something isn't permanent or is just temporary, prestado is the perfect word to use.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: prestado

Question 1 of 1

Choose the correct form: 'La cámara que estoy usando es ______.'

📚 More Resources

Word Family

prestar(to lend) - verb

préstamo(loan) - noun

prestamista(lender) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between *prestado* and *préstamo*?

*Prestado* is an adjective meaning 'lent' or 'borrowed' (e.g., 'the borrowed car'). *Préstamo* is a noun meaning 'loan' or 'the act of lending' (e.g., 'I got a loan from the bank').