How to Say "set up" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “set up” is “montado” — use this when referring to something that has been assembled and is ready for use, like furniture or equipment.
montado
mohn-TAH-dohmonˈtaðo
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.
armado
ar-MAH-dohaɾˈmaðo
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.)
dispuesto
dees-POO-ess-tohdisˈpwes.to
Examples
El jardín estaba dispuesto en terrazas.
The garden was arranged in terraces.
Los libros están dispuestos por color en el estante.
The books are arranged by color on the shelf.
El plan de ataque ya estaba dispuesto por el general.
The attack plan was already set up by the general.
Past Participle Use
'Dispuesto' is the special form (past participle) of the verb 'disponer' (to arrange/dispose). Here, it acts as an adjective describing the status or result of the arranging action.
Focus on Layout
This meaning always describes a physical or structural layout. If you are describing a person's willingness, use the first definition instead.
Confusing the Verb
Mistake: “La mesa fue dispuso para la reunión.”
Correction: La mesa fue *dispuesta* para la reunión. (You must use the adjective/participle form 'dispuesta' when describing the table's state.)
arreglado
ah-rreh-GLAH-dohareˈɣlaðo
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.
Assembly vs. Arrangement
Related Translations
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