Inklingo

How to Say "willing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dispuesta

dees-PWEHS-tah/disˈpwes.ta/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'dispuesta' when someone is ready, keen, or agreeable to participate in or undertake 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.)

voluntario

/boh-loon-TAH-ree-oh//bolunˈtaɾjo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'voluntario' when the action is done freely, by choice, or without external pressure, often implying it was not obligatory.
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' by using 'voluntario' when they simply mean someone is ready or eager. Remember, 'dispuesto' covers readiness, while 'voluntario' specifically highlights the free choice aspect of an action.

Related Translations

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