Preparar Present Tense in Latin American Spanish

The Present Tense of Preparar is used to describe actions happening in the present moment or habitual actions, for example: Preparo la cena todas las noches. (I prepare dinner every night.)

Preparar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations in the present tense follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Preparar (to prepare) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Pronoun Conjugation
Yopreparo
preparas
Él / Ella / Ustedprepara
Nosotros / Nosotraspreparamos
Ellos / Ellas / Ustedespreparan

Boost Your Memorization with Audio!

We’ve included audio recordings of the the conjugations of Preparar (to prepare) in the Present Tense to help you learn faster.

Pro Tip: Play the audio on a loop as you study the chart. This repetition will solidify the correct conjugations in your memory.

Usage of Preparar in the Present Tense

Preparar generally means to prepare, get ready, or make something, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To prepare food or a meal: for example, Yo preparo la cena todas las noches. (I prepare dinner every night.)

To get ready or make preparations: for example, Ellos preparan sus maletas para el viaje. (They are preparing their suitcases for the trip.)

To plan or organize something: for example, Preparamos una fiesta sorpresa para su cumpleaños. (We are preparing a surprise party for their birthday.)

To train or coach someone: for example, El entrenador nos prepara para el próximo partido. (The coach prepares us for the next game.)

To set up or arrange something: for example, Preparo la mesa para la cena. (I set the table for dinner.)

Colloquially, to get someone ready (sexually): for example, Juan prepara a su novia antes de hacer el amor. (Juan gets his girlfriend ready before making love.)

Examples

Examples of Preparar in the Present Tense

Cada mañana preparo el desayuno para mi familia. (Every morning I prepare breakfast for my family.)

¿Qué preparas para la cena esta noche? (What are you preparing for dinner tonight?)

Mi hermana prepara deliciosos postres para las fiestas. (My sister prepares delicious desserts for parties.)

En la cocina, preparamos comidas nutritivas y sabrosas. (In the kitchen, we prepare nutritious and tasty meals.)

Los chefs preparan platos exquisitos en ese restaurante. (The chefs prepare exquisite dishes at that restaurant.)

Antes de viajar, siempre preparo una lista de cosas que necesito empacar. (Before traveling, I always prepare a list of things I need to pack.)

Para el evento, preparas las decoraciones y la música. (For the event, you prepare the decorations and the music.)

La empresa prepara un plan de marketing innovador. (The company prepares an innovative marketing plan.)

Nosotros preparamos un presupuesto detallado para el próximo año. (We prepare a detailed budget for next year.)

Los atletas preparan su mente y cuerpo antes de competir. (Athletes prepare their mind and body before competing.)

Siempre preparo un itinerario antes de explorar una nueva ciudad. (I always prepare an itinerary before exploring a new city.)

¿Cómo preparas tu café por la mañana? (How do you prepare your coffee in the morning?)

Ella prepara un discurso inspirador para la graduación. (She prepares an inspiring speech for the graduation.)

En la clase de cocina, preparamos platillos tradicionales. (In the cooking class, we prepare traditional dishes.)

Los organizadores preparan un festival de música emocionante. (The organizers prepare an exciting music festival.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Preparar (to prepare) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

Spanish English
Yo preparo I prepare
Tú preparas You prepare
Él / Ella / Usted prepara He / She / You prepares
Nosotros / Nosotras preparamos We prepare
Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes preparan They / You all prepare

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.