Inklingo

How to Say "gets ready" in Spanish

English → Spanish

prepara

/preh-PAH-rah//pɾeˈpaɾa/

VerbA1General
Use 'prepara' when talking about preparing food, drinks, or setting up for an event or activity.
A person wearing an apron carefully stirring batter in a large mixing bowl on a kitchen counter, focusing on the act of getting food ready.

Examples

Mi mamá prepara la cena.

My mom prepares dinner.

Mi hermana prepara el desayuno todos los días.

My sister prepares breakfast every day.

¿Usted prepara la presentación para mañana?

Are you (formal) preparing the presentation for tomorrow?

Third Person Singular

This form ('prepara') is used when the subject is 'he' (él), 'she' (ella), or the formal 'you' (usted). It always ends in -a for -ar verbs in the present tense.

arregla

/ah-RREH-glah//aˈre.ɣla/

Verb (Conjugation)A2General
Use 'arregla' (reflexive 'arreglarse') when referring to getting dressed or grooming oneself to look presentable.
A young child neatly placing colorful wooden blocks into a clear storage bin.

Examples

Me arreglo antes de salir.

I get myself ready before going out.

Ella arregla la mesa para la cena.

She arranges the table for dinner.

La sirvienta siempre arregla mi habitación.

The maid always tidies up my room.

¡Arregla tu cuarto antes de salir!

Tidy up your room before leaving!

Reflexive Use for Personal Appearance

When talking about getting ready, Spanish adds 'se' to the verb: 'Ella se arregla' means 'She gets herself ready' (or 'She dresses up').

Using 'Organizar' for Physical Tidy-up

Mistake: “Using 'organizar' when you mean 'tidy up' a space.”

Correction: 'Organizar' is better for documents or plans. Use 'arreglar' or 'ordenar' for cleaning up a room or desk.

Confusing Personal vs. Event Preparation

The most common mistake is using 'preparar' for personal grooming. Remember that 'arreglarse' is specifically for getting yourself ready, like putting on clothes or fixing your hair. 'Preparar' is for getting something else ready, like a meal or a room.

Related Translations

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