The Present Tense of preparar is used to describe actions happening now 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 (Castilian Spanish):

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

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

To study or get ready for an exam: for example, Los estudiantes preparan el examen final. (The students are preparing for the final exam.)

Colloquial usage meaning to get high or intoxicated: for example, Vosotros os preparáis antes de salir de fiesta. (You guys get high before going out partying.)

Examples

Examples of Preparar in the Present Tense

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

¿Tú preparas la cena o pedimos una pizza? (Do you prepare dinner or should we order a pizza?)

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

Nosotros preparamos las maletas con anticipación antes de viajar. (We prepare our suitcases well in advance before traveling.)

¿Ustedes preparan el informe mensual o lo hace el gerente? (Do you all prepare the monthly report or does the manager do it?)

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

Para las vacaciones, preparo una lista de actividades divertidas. (For the holidays, I prepare a list of fun activities.)

¿Qué preparas para la fiesta de cumpleaños? (What are you preparing for the birthday party?)

Los estudiantes preparan sus proyectos finales esta semana. (The students are preparing their final projects this week.)

Nosotros preparamos un picnic cada vez que vamos al parque. (We prepare a picnic every time we go to the park.)

¿Ustedes preparan el equipo para el partido de fútbol? (Do you all prepare the equipment for the soccer game?)

Ella prepara su portafolio profesional para las entrevistas de trabajo. (She prepares her professional portfolio for job interviews.)

Los voluntarios preparan paquetes de comida para los necesitados. (The volunteers prepare food packages for those in need.)

Antes de un viaje, preparo una lista de verificación para no olvidar nada. (Before a trip, I prepare a checklist so I don’t forget anything.)

Conjugations with English Translations

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

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American 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.