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How to Say "to prepare" in Spanish

English → Spanish

preparar

pre-pa-RAHRpɾepaˈɾaɾ

verbA1
Use 'preparar' for the general sense of getting something ready or making it available for use.
A backpack, a water bottle, and a pair of hiking boots laid out neatly on a wooden floor.

Examples

Tengo que preparar mi maleta para el viaje.

I have to prepare my suitcase for the trip.

Estamos preparando una fiesta sorpresa.

We are preparing a surprise party.

Using 'para' with Preparar

When you are preparing something FOR a specific purpose or person, use 'para'. Example: 'Preparo la cena para ti' (I prepare dinner for you).

Preparing yourself vs. Preparing things

Mistake: “Saying 'Yo preparo' when you mean 'I am getting ready'.”

Correction: Use the reflexive form 'Me preparo' for personal readiness. 'Preparo' is for things like food or bags.

alistar

ah-lee-STARalisˈtaɾ

verbA2
Use 'alistar' when organizing specific items beforehand, often for a trip or event.
A child packing a backpack with school supplies on a wooden table.

Examples

Tengo que alistar mi maleta para el vuelo de mañana.

I have to get my suitcase ready for tomorrow's flight.

Ella ya alistó la mesa para la cena.

She already prepared the table for dinner.

Por favor, alista a los niños para ir a la escuela.

Please, get the kids ready to go to school.

Alistar vs. Preparar

While both mean 'to prepare,' 'alistar' is often used when you are specifically getting things ready for departure or an immediate task.

Common reflexive use

You will often see this word used with 'se' (alistarse) when someone is getting themselves ready (dressing, washing) to go out.

Thinking it only means 'making a list'

Mistake: “Using 'alistar' just to mean 'making a grocery list'.”

Correction: While related to the word 'list,' in modern Spanish it mostly means 'getting things ready.' Use 'hacer una lista' for making lists.

confeccionar

kon-fek-syo-NARkoɱfeksjoˈnaɾ

verbB2formal
Use 'confeccionar' when creating or putting together something like a list, a budget, or a document.
A person holding a quill pen and writing carefully on a long piece of parchment paper.

Examples

El comité está confeccionando la lista de invitados.

The committee is drawing up the guest list.

Debemos confeccionar un presupuesto antes del lunes.

We must prepare a budget before Monday.

El profesor confecciona el horario de clases cada año.

The teacher compiles the class schedule every year.

Abstract Making

This word works for 'making' things you can't touch, like a schedule or a budget. It sounds very organized and professional.

formular

for-moo-larfoɾmuˈlaɾ

verbB2formal
Use 'formular' when creating a product, especially a chemical or medical one, based on a specific recipe or ingredients.
A scientist in a lab coat carefully pouring a blue liquid from a test tube into a glass beaker.

Examples

El laboratorio formuló una nueva crema solar.

The laboratory formulated a new sunscreen.

Necesitamos formular un plan de rescate.

We need to formulate/prepare a rescue plan.

Es difícil formular este compuesto sin los químicos adecuados.

It is difficult to formulate this compound without the right chemicals.

Logical Creation

This sense of the word implies that you are following a specific set of rules or a recipe, rather than just 'making' something randomly.

General vs. Specific Preparation

Learners often confuse 'preparar' and 'alistar' because both can mean 'to get ready'. Remember that 'alistar' specifically implies organizing multiple items beforehand, while 'preparar' is a broader term for any kind of preparation.

Related Translations

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