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How to Say "prepared" in Spanish

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preparado

preh-pah-RAH-doh/pɾepaˈɾaðo/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'preparado' when referring to someone who has made arrangements or is ready to do something specific, often with an immediate action implied.
A cartoon runner crouched low at a starting block on a track, focused and ready to sprint forward.

Examples

¿Estás preparado para salir ahora mismo?

Are you ready to leave right now?

La comida ya está preparada, podemos comer.

The food is already prepared, we can eat.

Ella es una candidata muy preparada para el puesto.

She is a very qualified candidate for the position.

It Changes Form

Since 'preparado' acts like an adjective, it must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'preparada' (feminine singular), 'preparados' (masculine plural), and 'preparadas' (feminine plural).

Use with Estar vs. Ser

Use 'estar preparado' (to be ready) to talk about a temporary state of readiness. Use 'ser preparado' (to be prepared/qualified) to describe a person's permanent skill or education level.

Forgetting Gender/Number Match

Mistake: “Los estudiantes está preparado.”

Correction: Los estudiantes están preparados. (The ending '-os' must match the plural masculine students.)

listas

LEES-tas/ˈlistas/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'listas' (plural feminine form of 'listo') when referring to things or people that are in a state of readiness or completion, like food being ready to eat.
Two women wearing hiking boots and backpacks, standing at the start of a clear path with determined expressions, looking prepared and ready to begin their journey.

Examples

Las pizzas ya están listas, podemos comer.

The pizzas are ready, we can eat.

Cuando las flores estén listas, las pones en el jarrón.

When the flowers are ready, put them in the vase.

¿Están listas para salir a la calle?

Are you (feminine plural) ready to go out?

Ser vs. Estar: Ready

When 'listas' means 'ready' or 'prepared,' you must use the verb 'estar' because it describes a temporary state or condition: 'Las maletas están listas'.

dispuesta

dees-PWEHS-tah/disˈpwes.ta/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'dispuesta' to indicate that someone is willing or has the intention to perform an action.
A cheerful child character standing upright with an eager expression, indicating readiness to participate in an activity.

Examples

Mi hermana está dispuesta a conducir toda la noche.

My sister is willing to drive all night.

Si estás dispuesta, podemos empezar la reunión ahora.

If you are ready, we can start the meeting now.

Ella no estaba dispuesta a escuchar excusas.

She was not willing to listen to excuses.

Gender and Number Match

As an adjective, 'dispuesta' must match the person or thing it describes. Since this form ends in '-a', it is used only for feminine singular subjects (like 'ella' or 'la casa').

Using 'Estar'

This word almost always pairs with the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a temporary state or condition (being ready or willing).

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Using 'dispuesta' to describe a male subject: 'Él está dispuesta a ir.'”

Correction: Use the masculine form: 'Él está dispuesto a ir.' (He is willing to go.)

Readiness vs. Willingness

Learners often confuse 'preparado/a/os/as' (ready, arrangements made) with 'dispuesto/a/os/as' (willing, inclined to). Remember that 'preparado' implies a state of readiness or having made plans, while 'dispuesto' focuses on a person's willingness or intention to act.

Related Translations

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