Inklingo

How to Say "preliminary" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “preliminary” is “preliminar” — use this when referring to something that happens or exists before a main event, competition, or process, often as an initial assessment or result..

English → Spanish

preliminar

/pre-lee-mee-nar//pɾelimiˈnaɾ/

adjectiveB1general
Use this when referring to something that happens or exists before a main event, competition, or process, often as an initial assessment or result.
A swimmer in a ready position on a starting block before a race begins.

Examples

Los resultados preliminares del examen son muy buenos.

The preliminary results of the exam are very good.

El equipo ganó la fase preliminar del torneo.

The team won the preliminary phase of the tournament.

Hicieron una investigación preliminar antes de construir la casa.

They did a preliminary investigation before building the house.

One Form for All

This word stays exactly the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine thing (un paso preliminar / una fase preliminar).

Placement

In most cases, you should place this word after the person or thing you are describing.

The 'O' Trap

Mistake: “un paso preliminario”

Correction: un paso preliminar; though many adjectives end in 'o', this one always ends in 'r'.

previo

/PREH-bee-oh//ˈpɾeβjo/

adjectiveA2general
Choose this for something that must be done or completed beforehand, often as a requirement or condition for something else.
A row of three flower pots showing the growth of a plant, with a focus on the empty pot with soil that comes before the sprout.

Examples

Necesitas una cita previa para ver al médico.

You need a previous appointment (to book in advance) to see the doctor.

Sin aviso previo, la tienda cerró sus puertas.

Without prior notice, the store closed its doors.

El estudio previo demostró que el proyecto era viable.

The preliminary study showed that the project was viable.

Matching Endings

Since this is a describing word, its ending must change to match the thing you're talking about. Use 'previo' for masculine things (un aviso previo) and 'previa' for feminine things (una cita previa).

Using it with 'a'

When you want to say something happened 'prior to' an event, use the phrase 'previo a'. It works just like 'antes de' but sounds a bit more professional.

Forgetting the 'A'

Mistake: “Hablamos previo la reunión.”

Correction: Hablamos previo a la reunión (We spoke prior to the meeting). You always need the 'a' when connecting it to a specific event.

preparatorio

pre-pah-rah-TOH-ryoh/pɾepaɾaˈtoɾjo/

adjectiveB1general
Use this to describe actions, stages, or activities that are introductory or serve as preparation for a main action, event, or goal.
A wooden table with an open backpack, a sharp pencil, and a clean notebook ready for use.

Examples

Estamos en la fase preparatoria del proyecto.

We are in the preparatory phase of the project.

Hizo un curso preparatorio para entrar a la universidad.

He took a preparatory course to enter the university.

Los atletas realizan ejercicios preparatorios antes de la carrera.

The athletes perform preparatory exercises before the race.

Matching the Noun

In Spanish, this word must match the gender of the thing it describes. Use 'preparatorio' for masculine things (un curso) and 'preparatoria' for feminine things (una fase).

Placement

This word usually comes after the person or thing it is describing, like 'el examen preparatorio'.

Describing People

Mistake: “Él es un hombre preparatorio.”

Correction: Él es un hombre preparado.

preparativo

/pre-pah-rah-TEE-boh//pɾepaɾaˈtiβo/

adjectiveC1general
Employ this when referring to the specific initial steps or actions taken in order to get ready for something, emphasizing the act of preparing.
A small seedling sprout growing out of a small pot on a windowsill, representing the early stage before a garden.

Examples

Tomamos algunas medidas preparativas antes de la tormenta.

We took some preparatory measures before the storm.

Es un curso preparativo para el examen oficial.

It is a preparatory course for the official exam.

Iniciaron la fase preparativa del proyecto.

They started the preparatory phase of the project.

Matching Gender

Since this is an adjective here, it must change to match the noun. Use 'preparativo' for masculine things (un curso preparativo) and 'preparativa' for feminine things (una fase preparativa).

Wrong Word Order

Mistake: “Saying 'el preparativo curso'.”

Correction: Say 'el curso preparativo'. In Spanish, descriptive adjectives like this almost always come after the noun.

Choosing Between 'Preliminar' and 'Preparatorio/Preparativo'

Learners often confuse 'preliminar' with 'preparatorio' or 'preparativo'. Remember that 'preliminar' usually refers to results or stages that come *before* the main event but aren't necessarily the *actions* of getting ready. 'Preparatorio' and 'preparativo' focus more on the *actions* or *stages* of getting ready.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.