Inklingo

How to Say "preparation" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “preparation” is “preparación” — use this word for the general act of getting something ready or the process of making something happen, like preparing a meal or packing..

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preparación

nounA2general
Use this word for the general act of getting something ready or the process of making something happen, like preparing a meal or packing.

Examples

La preparación de la maleta me tomó mucho tiempo.

Packing (the preparation of) the suitcase took me a long time.

preparado

preh-pah-RAH-doh/pɾepaˈɾaðo/

nounB1general
Choose this when referring to a pre-made mix or solution that is ready to be used, often in cooking or for specific tasks.
A clear glass jar containing a uniform brown powder mix, sealed with a lid, representing a ready-made preparation.

Examples

Necesitas un preparado especial para hacer ese pastel.

You need a special mix/preparation to make that cake.

El farmacéutico vendió un preparado de hierbas.

The pharmacist sold a herbal preparation.

Always Masculine

When used as a noun meaning 'a mixture' or 'a compound,' 'preparado' is always masculine (el preparado), even if the ingredients themselves are feminine.

edición

nounB1general
Use this when the 'preparation' involves arranging, revising, or finalizing content, especially for publication or release like in films or books.

Examples

La edición del documental duró casi tres meses.

The editing of the documentary lasted almost three months.

tratamiento

/trah-tah-myen-toh//tɾataˈmjento/

nounB2general
This translation applies when 'preparation' refers to the processing, handling, or treatment of raw materials or data.
A simple industrial scene showing a conveyor belt carrying raw, lumpy material into a large, colorful machine, and finished, uniform blocks exiting the other side.

Examples

El tratamiento de datos personales requiere mucha seguridad.

The processing of personal data requires a lot of security.

Estudian el tratamiento de residuos tóxicos en la planta.

They are studying the handling of toxic waste at the plant.

Technical Usage

This meaning is often paired with the preposition 'de' (of) to specify what is being processed: 'tratamiento de datos' (data processing).

preparación

nounB2general
Use this specific sense of 'preparación' when referring to a medicinal or culinary mixture or substance.

Examples

Bebe esta preparación antes de dormir.

Drink this mixture before going to sleep.

General Act vs. Specific Mix

Learners often confuse 'preparación' (the act of preparing) with 'preparado' (a ready-made mix). Remember that 'preparación' is the process, while 'preparado' is the result or product ready for use.

Related Translations

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