Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Ready in Spanish
Listo · adjective · LEES-toh
The Spanish word for ready is 'listo' (masculine) or 'lista' (feminine). It is used with the verb 'estar' to indicate readiness or preparedness. Interestingly, when used with 'ser' instead of 'estar,' listo means clever or smart — a key distinction for learners. The alternative 'preparado' emphasizes having taken steps to prepare.
Listo is pronounced LEES-toh. The stress falls on the first syllable 'lis.' The word has two clean syllables and is one of the most commonly heard adjectives in daily Spanish.
¿Estás listo para salir?
Are you ready to leave?
Ready in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for ready, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| listo | ready | LEES-toh | Default, widely understood |
| lista | ready | feminine form | |
| preparado | ready | emphasizes being prepared |
How Native Speakers Use Listo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Getting ready
La cena está lista, pueden sentarse a la mesa.
Dinner is ready, you can sit at the table.
Announcing that a meal has been prepared.
Checking preparedness
¿Están listos para el examen de mañana?
Are you all ready for tomorrow's exam?
A teacher asking students about their preparation.
Ser vs estar distinction
Ella es muy lista, siempre saca buenas notas.
She is very clever, she always gets good grades.
Using 'ser listo' to mean smart rather than ready.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Listo
Confusing ser listo with estar listo
Incorrect: Soy listo para la fiesta.
Correct: Estoy listo para la fiesta.
'Ser listo' means to be clever, while 'estar listo' means to be ready — using the wrong verb completely changes the meaning.
Forgetting gender agreement
Incorrect: Ella está listo.
Correct: Ella está lista.
Listo must agree with the subject's gender: 'listo' for masculine, 'lista' for feminine.
Lock in Ready Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Listo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using listo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear ¿Estás listo para salir? while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About Ready in Spanish
- What is the difference between 'estar listo' and 'ser listo'?
- With 'estar,' listo means ready or prepared, while with 'ser,' it means clever or intelligent — this ser/estar distinction is one of the most important to master in Spanish.
- Can preparado be used instead of listo?
- Preparado is a valid synonym that emphasizes the process of having prepared, and it works in all the same contexts — '¿estás preparado?' is just as natural as '¿estás listo?'
- How do you say 'get ready' in Spanish?
- The phrase 'get ready' translates to 'prepararse' or 'alistarse' — for example, '¡Prepárate, salimos en diez minutos!' (Get ready, we're leaving in ten minutes!).