Inklingo

How to Say "preparatory" in Spanish

English → Spanish

preparatorio

pre-pah-rah-TOH-ryoh/pɾepaɾaˈtoɾjo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'preparatorio' when referring to actions, stages, or elements that are part of the process of getting ready for a main event or activity, often in a more formal or structured context.
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
Use 'preparativo' when referring to specific actions or measures taken in advance as part of the preparation for something, often implying concrete steps or provisions.
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 'Preparatorio' and 'Preparativo'

Learners often confuse 'preparatorio' and 'preparativo' because both relate to preparation. Remember that 'preparatorio' typically describes a phase or a general state of readiness, while 'preparativo' often refers to specific, concrete actions or provisions made beforehand.

Related Translations

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