Inklingo

How to Say "willing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “willing” is “dispuesto” — use 'dispuesto' when someone is ready and agreeable to do something, often implying cooperation or a positive attitude towards an action.

English → Spanish

dispuesto

dees-POO-ess-tohdisˈpwes.to

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'dispuesto' when someone is ready and agreeable to do something, often implying cooperation or a positive attitude towards an action.
A cartoon character with a bright smile, enthusiastically extending a hand forward in a gesture of agreement or readiness.

Examples

Estoy dispuesto a ayudarte con la mudanza.

I am willing to help you with the move.

Si estás dispuesta a trabajar duro, tendrás éxito.

If you are ready to work hard, you will succeed.

Los niños estaban dispuestos para salir al recreo.

The children were ready to go out for recess.

Agreement is Essential

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'dispuesto' must match the person or thing it describes: 'dispuesto' (m. singular), 'dispuesta' (f. singular), 'dispuestos' (m. plural), 'dispuestas' (f. plural).

Using 'a' for Actions

When you say you are 'willing' to do an action, you must follow 'dispuesto' with the preposition 'a' and then the base verb form (infinitive): 'dispuesto a trabajar'.

Forgetting the Preposition

Mistake: “Estamos dispuestos ayudar.”

Correction: Estamos dispuestos *a* ayudar. (The 'a' is necessary before the action verb.)

voluntario

boh-loon-TAH-ree-ohbolunˈtaɾjo

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'voluntario' when an action is done by one's own free will or choice, without being forced or obligated.
A hand reaching down toward a bright blue circle, positioned next to a red square, illustrating the concept of making a choice.

Examples

La decisión de retirarse fue totalmente voluntaria.

The decision to retire was entirely voluntary.

El acuerdo es voluntario y no hay consecuencias si decides no participar.

The agreement is voluntary, and there are no consequences if you decide not to participate.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'voluntario' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'un acto voluntario' (masculine singular) vs. 'acciones voluntarias' (feminine plural).

Mixing Adjective and Adverb

Mistake: “Hizo el trabajo muy voluntario.”

Correction: Hizo el trabajo muy voluntariamente. (Use the adverb form '-mente' when describing how an action was done.)

'Dispuesto' vs. 'Voluntario'

Learners often confuse 'dispuesto' and 'voluntario'. Remember that 'dispuesto' means ready or agreeable to do something, while 'voluntario' means the action itself was freely chosen, not forced. Focus on whether you're describing someone's readiness or the nature of their choice.

Related Translations

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