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"Prepare" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "preparar", and "get ready" is a phrase which is often translated as "prepárate". Learn more about the difference between "prepare" and "get ready" below.
prepare(
pruh
-
pehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. preparar
This is a meal you can prepare in advance and just put in the oven when your guests arrive.Esta es una comida que puedes preparar con antelación y poner en el horno cuando lleguen los invitados.
2. (to produce)
a. preparar
I'm preparing a big party for your return.Estoy preparando una gran fiesta para tu regreso.
4. (to gear up)
a. preparar
If I were you, I'd prepare your sales team for the worst.Yo que tú prepararía al equipo de ventas para lo peor.
5. (to teach)
a. preparar
We prepare English students for their official exams.Nos dedicamos a preparar a estudiantes de inglés para exámenes oficiales.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. hacer los preparativos
They are already preparing for the big event.Ya están haciendo los preparativos para el gran acontecimiento.
a. prepararse para
My son is preparing for the exam to get into medical school.Mi hijo se está preparando para el examen de acceso a la facultad de medicina.
get ready(
gehd
reh
-
di
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. prepárate (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Get ready, Janet. We're leaving in five minutes.Prepárate, Janet. Nos vamos en cinco minutos.
b. prepárese (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Get ready. You have to go on stage in the next act.Prepárese. Tiene que salir a escena en el próximo acto.
c. alístate (informal) (singular) (Latin America)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
Get ready. Our guests are about to arrive.Alístate. Nuestros invitados están a punto de llegar.
d. alístese (formal) (singular) (Latin America)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
If you want to go for a walk, get ready. It's getting late.Si quiere salir a dar un paseo, alístese. Se está haciendo tarde.
a. prepárense (plural)
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
Hurry up and get ready! We're going to miss the train.¡Dénse prisa y prepárense! Vamos a perder el tren.
b. alístense (plural) (Latin America)
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
Come on, get ready. I don't want to miss the beginning of the movie.Vamos, alístense. No quiero perderme el principio de la película.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. prepararse
You need to get ready; your Spanish test is in two days.Tienes que prepararte, tu examen de español es dentro de dos días.
b. arreglarse
I'm going out tonight, so I'll get ready.Voy a salir esta noche, así que me arreglaré.
c. alistarse (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
Are you still wearing your pajamas? It's very late. Get ready or you'll be late for school.¿Todavía estás en pijama? Es muy tarde. Alístate o llegarás tarde a la escuela.
d. aprontarse (Southern Cone)
Wait for me here. It'll take me only five minutes to get ready.Espérenme aquí. Tardo solo cinco minutos en aprontarme.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
4. (to prepare)
a. preparar
Did you have time to get snacks ready for the kids?¿Tuviste tiempo de preparar un refrigerio para los niños?
