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"Elaborar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to produce", and "preparar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to prepare". Learn more about the difference between "elaborar" and "preparar" below.
elaborar(
eh
-
lah
-
boh
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to create)
a. to produce
Nos propusimos elaborar un vino de la mejor calidad posible.We set out to produce a wine of the highest possible quality.
b. to make
Elaboran quesos artesanales que luego venden en el mercado.They make artisanal cheeses and then sell them at the market.
c. to prepare
Todos nuestros platos son elaborados con ingredientes ecológicos.All our dishes are prepared with organic ingredients.
d. to manufacture (on an industrial scale)
Nuestra empresa elabora perfumes y los comercializa.Our company manufactures and markets perfumes.
2. (to shape)
a. to work (a material)
Los artesanos de la región elaboran la madera y el metal.The artisans in the region work wood and metal.
a. to devise (a strategy or a plan)
La empresa ha elaborado una revolucionaria estrategia de marketing.The firm has devised a revolutionary marketing strategy.
b. to draw up (a budget or a project)
El gobierno elaboró un proyecto destinado a modernizar el sistema educativo.The government drew up a project aimed at modernizing the educational system.
c. to work out (a plan)
Hemos elaborado un nuevo plan de acción.We have worked out a new plan of action.
4. (to compose)
a. to draw up (a document or a list)
Se ha elaborado una lista de todas las opciones posibles.A list of all the possible options has been drawn up.
b. to prepare (a report or a contract)
Nuestro departamento jurídico se encargará de elaborar el contrato de compraventa.Our legal department will prepare the contract of sale.
c. to write (a report)
Estamos elaborando un informe sobre los residuos urbanos y su gestión.We are writing a report on urban waste and its management.
preparar(
preh
-
pah
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to prepare
Prepara las cosas para la excursión la noche anterior para que no se te olvide nada.Prepare your things for the trip the night before so you don't forget anything.
a. to prepare
Hicimos lo que pudimos para preparar a nuestros hijos para la vida.We did what we could to prepare our children for life.
prepararse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (to study)
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
5. (to groom)
a. to get ready
Me estoy preparando para la fiesta de esta noche.I'm getting ready for a party tonight.
