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How to Say "set up" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “set up” is “montado” — use this word when referring to something that has been assembled or put together and is now ready for use, like furniture or equipment..

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montado

/mohn-TAH-doh//monˈtaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use this word when referring to something that has been assembled or put together and is now ready for use, like furniture or equipment.
A wooden toy robot partially put together with various pieces lying nearby.

Examples

El armario ya está totalmente montado.

The wardrobe is already completely assembled.

El escenario para el concierto ya está montado.

The stage for the concert is already set up.

Assembled vs. Built

Mistake: “Using 'construido' for IKEA furniture.”

Correction: Use 'montado' because you are putting pre-made pieces together rather than building from raw materials.

dispuesta

dees-PWEHS-tah/disˈpwes.ta/

adjectiveB1general
Use this word when something, like a room or a table, has been arranged or prepared and is ready for a specific purpose or event.
Five identical, brightly colored square blocks placed perfectly in a straight, orderly line on a flat surface.

Examples

La sala de conferencias estaba dispuesta para 50 personas.

The conference room was arranged for 50 people.

Vio la mercancía dispuesta cuidadosamente en el estante.

She saw the merchandise laid out carefully on the shelf.

Passive Descriptions

In this meaning, 'dispuesta' often acts like a past action describing the result: the room was arranged by someone. It describes the state of the object.

armado

ar-MAH-doh/aɾˈmaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use this word when referring to an object that comes pre-assembled or has been put together, similar to 'montado' but often implies it arrived in that state.
A storybook illustration showing a complete, assembled wooden bookshelf standing upright.

Examples

Compramos un mueble que ya venía armado.

We bought a piece of furniture that already came assembled.

El hormigón armado es muy resistente.

Reinforced concrete is very resistant.

Tienen un plan muy bien armado para la reunión.

They have a very well set-up/constructed plan for the meeting.

Passive Voice Connection

When used with 'ser' or 'estar,' this sense often translates the passive idea: 'La mesa fue armada por mí' means 'The table was assembled by me.'

Using 'Armar' for Small Objects

Mistake: “Armé mi teléfono nuevo.”

Correction: Monté mi teléfono nuevo. (While 'armar' works for large structures, 'montar' is often better for assembling smaller items like computers or phones.)

arreglado

ah-rreh-GLAH-doh/areˈɣlaðo/

adjectiveB2informal, negative connotations
Use this word when implying that a situation, event, or outcome has been pre-arranged, often in a dishonest or illegal way, like a fixed match.
Two cartoon characters are participating in a stylized running race. One character is subtly pulling a rope hidden behind their back, which is attached to the finish line banner, manipulating the outcome.

Examples

Todo el mundo sabe que ese partido de fútbol estaba arreglado.

Everyone knows that soccer match was rigged.

El concurso no fue justo, el resultado estaba arreglado.

The contest wasn't fair, the result was set up (fixed).

Implied Meaning

When used in the context of competitions, results, or systems, 'arreglado' carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting corruption or cheating.

Assembled vs. Arranged

Learners often confuse 'montado'/'armado' (assembled) with 'dispuesta' (arranged for use). 'Montado' and 'armado' focus on the physical construction of an object. 'Dispuesta' focuses on the preparation of a space or setup for an activity.

Related Translations

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