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"Listo" is a form of "listo", an adjective which is often translated as "smart". "Lista" is a form of "lista", a noun which is often translated as "list". Learn more about the difference between "listo" and "lista" below.
listo(
lees
-
toh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. smart
El chico más listo de la clase sacó unas notas excelentes.The smartest guy in our class got excellent grades.
b. clever
Los jugadores de ajedrez son muy listos.Chess players are very clever.
a. ready
¿Están ya listos? Tenemos que irnos.Are you ready? We have to go.
a. finished
El artículo tiene que estar listo para el jueves.The article has to be finished by Thursday.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
interjection
4. (all right)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. OK
¿Vienen con nosotros? - ¡Listo!Are you coming with us? - OK!
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la lista(
lees
-
tah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. list
Solo compra lo que está en la lista.Just buy what is on the list.
b. roll (of names)
No hay ningún "Seymour Butts" en la lista.There's no "Seymour Butts" on the roll.
a. strip
Hice un bolso usando una lista de tela.I made a bag using a strip of cloth.
a. stripe
Me gustan las listas rojas de tu camiseta.I like the red stripes on your T-shirt.
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