listo
listo in 30 Sekunden
- Listo means 'ready' with the verb 'estar' (temporary state).
- Listo means 'smart' or 'clever' with the verb 'ser' (permanent trait).
- It must agree in gender (listo/lista) and number (listos/listas) with the noun.
- It is commonly used as an exclamation meaning 'Done!' or 'Finished!'.
The Spanish word listo is a fascinating linguistic chameleon that serves as a cornerstone of early Spanish education, yet continues to challenge learners well into advanced levels due to its dual nature. At its most fundamental level, 'listo' is an adjective that describes a state of preparation or an inherent quality of intelligence. However, its meaning shifts dramatically depending on which 'to be' verb it accompanies: ser or estar. This distinction is one of the most famous examples of the ser/estar contrast in the Spanish language.
- Estar Listo
- When paired with 'estar', it means 'ready' or 'prepared'. It indicates a temporary state. For example, 'Estoy listo para el examen' means you have finished studying and are prepared to take the test right now.
¿Estás listo para ir a la playa? (Are you ready to go to the beach?)
- Ser Listo
- When paired with 'ser', it means 'smart', 'clever', or 'sharp'. It describes an inherent personality trait or intellectual capacity. 'Él es muy listo' means he is a clever person in general.
Ese niño es muy listo; siempre saca buenas notas. (That boy is very smart; he always gets good grades.)
Historically, the word derives from the Vulgar Latin 'lexit-us', meaning 'read' or 'selected'. This evolution suggests that someone who is 'listo' is someone who has been 'readied' or 'selected' for a task, or someone who has 'read' the situation well. In modern usage, 'listo' is ubiquitous in Spain and Latin America, though regional preferences for synonyms like 'preparado' (for ready) or 'inteligente' (for smart) may vary. In many contexts, 'listo' can also imply being 'quick-witted' or even 'sneaky' if used with a certain tone. Understanding this word requires more than just a dictionary; it requires an understanding of Spanish syntax and the philosophical divide between essence and state.
¡Ya está listo el café! (The coffee is ready!)
No te hagas el listo conmigo. (Don't try to be a smart-aleck with me.)
- Gender and Number
- As an adjective, 'listo' must agree with the noun it modifies. Masculine singular: listo; Feminine singular: lista; Masculine plural: listos; Feminine plural: listas.
Las chicas están listas para la competencia. (The girls are ready for the competition.)
Mastering 'listo' involves navigating the grammatical landscape of Spanish adjectives and the specific nuances of the verbs 'ser' and 'estar'. Because 'listo' changes meaning based on the verb, your choice of auxiliary verb is the most critical decision you will make. This section breaks down the mechanics of usage across different contexts and grammatical structures.
- The 'Estar' Construction
- Use 'estar' + 'listo' + 'para' + [noun/infinitive] to indicate readiness for a specific event or action. Example: 'Estamos listos para comer' (We are ready to eat). This is a temporary state that will end once the action begins.
¿Ya estás listo? El taxi llegará en cinco minutos. (Are you ready yet? The taxi will arrive in five minutes.)
- The 'Ser' Construction
- Use 'ser' + 'listo' to describe someone's intelligence. This is often used with intensifiers like 'muy' (very), 'sumamente' (extremely), or 'increíblemente' (incredibly). Example: 'Ella es muy lista, siempre encuentra una solución'.
Mi hermano es el más listo de la clase. (My brother is the smartest in the class.)
In addition to these primary uses, 'listo' appears in several common idiomatic structures. 'Pasarse de listo' is a common phrase meaning 'to be too clever for one's own good' or 'to try to outsmart someone'. This is often used as a warning or a criticism of someone who is being arrogant or manipulative. Another common usage is in the phrase 'listo para llevar' (ready to go/take out), frequently seen in restaurants. The word also functions as an interjection. When someone finishes a task, they might clap their hands and say '¡Listo!' to signal completion. This is equivalent to saying 'Done!' or 'There we go!' in English.
No te pases de listo conmigo, sé lo que estás tramando. (Don't try to be too clever with me, I know what you're plotting.)
Puse la mesa, hice la cena y ¡listo!, ya podemos comer. (I set the table, made dinner, and done!, we can eat now.)
- Agreement with Objects
- When referring to inanimate objects being 'ready' (like food or a project), 'listo' must still agree in gender and number. 'La comida está lista' (The food is ready). 'Los documentos están listos' (The documents are ready).
¿Están listas las maletas? (Are the suitcases ready?)
'Listo' is a high-frequency word that resonates through every corner of Spanish-speaking life, from the bustling kitchens of Mexico City to the high-tech offices of Madrid. Because it covers both readiness and intelligence, you will encounter it in diverse settings. In the domestic sphere, it is the soundtrack of preparation. Parents ask children if they are 'listos' for school; chefs announce when the 'paella' is 'lista'. It is a word of action and completion.
- In the Classroom
- Teachers use it to praise students: '¡Qué listo eres!' (How smart you are!). They also use it to check status: '¿Están listos para empezar la lección?' (Are you ready to start the lesson?). It bridges the gap between innate ability and current preparedness.
El profesor dijo que Juan es un chico muy listo. (The teacher said Juan is a very smart boy.)
- In Business and Tech
- In professional environments, 'listo' refers to project readiness or 'smart' solutions. You might hear about a 'solución lista para usar' (out-of-the-box solution) or a colleague being 'muy listo' for negotiating a difficult contract.
El informe estará listo para la reunión de las tres. (The report will be ready for the three o'clock meeting.)
In media and entertainment, 'listo' is often used in the context of 'smart' characters—detectives, thieves, or geniuses. In movies, a character might say 'Todo está listo' (Everything is ready) before a big heist. In sports, commentators use it to describe players who are 'listos' (quick/smart) on the field, anticipating the opponent's moves. It is also a staple of commercial language; 'Listo para comer' (Ready to eat) is a common label on pre-packaged meals. Whether you are watching a soap opera (telenovela) or reading a news report on artificial intelligence, 'listo' will appear as a descriptor of both state and capacity.
¡Listos, cámaras, acción! (Ready, cameras, action!)
Fue una jugada muy lista por parte del delantero. (It was a very clever move by the forward.)
- Travel and Logistics
- At airports or train stations, you'll hear announcements about gates being 'listas' for boarding. In a taxi, the driver might ask '¿Listo?' to confirm you're set to depart.
El avión ya está listo para el despegue. (The plane is now ready for takeoff.)
The most frequent pitfall for English speakers learning 'listo' is the 'Ser vs. Estar' trap. Because English uses the single verb 'to be' for both 'ready' and 'smart', learners often default to one or the other without considering the semantic shift. This can lead to unintended meanings that range from slightly confusing to accidentally insulting or overly boastful.
- The 'Soy Listo' Blunder
- A common error is saying 'Soy listo' when you mean 'I am ready'. If you tell your friends 'Soy listo' as you walk out the door, you aren't saying you're prepared to leave; you're announcing 'I am smart'. While true, it sounds very arrogant in that context!
Incorrect: Soy listo para la fiesta. (I am smart for the party.)
Correct: Estoy listo para la fiesta. (I am ready for the party.)
- Gender Agreement Errors
- Learners often forget that 'listo' must change to 'lista' when referring to a female or a feminine noun. Saying 'Mi hermana es listo' is grammatically incorrect and sounds jarring to native speakers.
Incorrect: La cena está listo.
Correct: La cena está lista. (Dinner is ready.)
Another mistake involves the phrase 'pasarse de listo'. Some learners use it to mean 'to become smart' or 'to improve intelligence', but it actually has a negative connotation of being 'too clever' or 'deceptive'. Furthermore, confusing 'listo' with 'preparado' is not technically a mistake, but using 'preparado' for 'smart' is incorrect. 'Preparado' only means 'ready' or 'well-trained'. Finally, in plural forms, remember the masculine-dominance rule: if you are talking about a group of men and women who are ready, you must use 'listos', not 'listas'.
Incorrect: María y José están listas.
Correct: María y José están listos. (Maria and Jose are ready.)
Confusing: Él es muy preparado. (He is well-trained/educated - NOT necessarily 'smart' in the innate sense of 'listo'.)
- Overusing 'Inteligente'
- While 'inteligente' is a safe synonym for 'ser listo', using it exclusively makes your Spanish sound a bit formal or textbook-ish. Native speakers use 'listo' much more frequently in casual conversation to describe someone who is sharp or quick-witted.
Better: Es un chico muy listo. (He's a very sharp/smart kid.)
To truly master 'listo', it helps to see where it sits in the constellation of related Spanish adjectives. Depending on whether you mean 'ready' or 'smart', there are several synonyms and near-synonyms that can add precision to your speech. Understanding these comparisons will help you choose the right word for the right situation.
- Listo vs. Preparado
- Both mean 'ready', but 'preparado' often implies a more formal or long-term process of preparation. You are 'listo' to go to the store, but you are 'preparado' for a marathon or a professional career.
Estoy listo para salir. vs. Estoy bien preparado para este trabajo. (I'm ready to leave vs. I'm well-prepared/qualified for this job.)
- Listo vs. Inteligente
- 'Inteligente' is the broad, academic term for 'smart'. 'Listo' often implies 'street smarts', quickness, or being 'sharp'. A 'listo' person is good at solving immediate problems or outsmarting others.
Es un científico inteligente. vs. Es un negociante muy listo. (He's an intelligent scientist vs. He's a very sharp/clever businessman.)
Other related words include 'hábil' (skillful/clever with hands or mind), 'despierto' (literally 'awake', but used to mean 'alert' or 'sharp'), and 'terminado' (finished). If you want to say something is 'ready' in the sense of being 'done', 'terminado' or 'acabado' are often better choices for objects. For example, 'La tarea está terminada' (The homework is finished) is more common than 'La tarea está lista', though both are acceptable. In Latin America, you might also hear 'pilas' (literally 'batteries') used colloquially to mean someone is 'listo' or 'alert'.
Es un niño muy despierto. (He's a very alert/sharp kid.)
El proyecto ya está terminado. (The project is already finished.)
- Antonyms
- The opposite of 'estar listo' is 'no estar preparado' or 'estar atrasado' (behind). The opposite of 'ser listo' is 'tonto' (silly/dumb) or 'torpe' (clumsy/slow-witted).
No estoy listo todavía; dame un minuto. (I'm not ready yet; give me a minute.)
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Ser vs Estar
Adjective-Noun Agreement
Superlatives
Subjunctive with expressions of hope
Beispiele nach Niveau
Yo estoy listo.
I am ready.
Uses 'estar' for a temporary state of readiness.
¿Estás lista, Ana?
Are you ready, Ana?
Feminine form 'lista' matches the subject 'Ana'.
La comida está lista.
The food is ready.
Feminine singular agreement with 'la comida'.
Los niños están listos.
The children are ready.
Masculine plural agreement with 'los niños'.
¡Listo!
Done! / Ready!
Used as an interjection to signal completion.
El café ya está listo.
The coffee is already ready.
'Ya' adds the sense of 'already'.
¿Están listos para la clase?
Are you (plural) ready for the class?
Plural form 'listos' for a group.
Ella no está lista todavía.
She is not ready yet.
Negative construction with 'no' and 'todavía'.
Mi perro es muy listo.
My dog is very smart.
Uses 'ser' to describe an inherent quality (intelligence).
Las maletas ya están listas.
The suitcases are already ready.
Feminine plural agreement with 'las maletas'.
Él es el más listo de la familia.
He is the smartest in the family.
Superlative construction 'el más listo'.
Estamos listos para pedir la comida.
We are ready to order the food.
'Listo para' + infinitive.
Ella es una chica muy lista.
She is a very smart girl.
Feminine form 'lista' with 'ser'.
¿Eras listo cuando eras niño?
Were you smart when you were a child?
Imperfect tense of 'ser' for past traits.
El examen estará listo mañana.
The exam will be ready tomorrow.
Future tense of 'estar'.
No soy tan listo como tú.
I am not as smart as you.
Comparative 'tan... como'.
No te pases de listo conmigo.
Don't try to be too clever with me.
Idiomatic phrase 'pasarse de listo'.
Espero que el informe esté listo pronto.
I hope the report is ready soon.
Present subjunctive 'esté' after 'espero que'.
Fue una respuesta muy lista por su parte.
It was a very clever response on his/her part.
Adjective modifying 'respuesta' (feminine).
Si eres tan listo, resuélvelo tú.
If you're so smart, you solve it.
Conditional 'si' clause.
Todo debe estar listo antes de las ocho.
Everything must be ready before eight.
Modal verb 'debe' + infinitive 'estar'.
Ella siempre tiene una solución lista.
She always has a solution ready.
'Listo' as a post-positional adjective.
No me gusta la gente que se cree muy lista.
I don't like people who think they are very smart.
Reflexive 'creerse' + adjective.
El paquete está listo para enviar.
The package is ready to be sent.
'Listo para' + infinitive.
El caso está listo para sentencia.
The case is ready for judgment.
Legal idiom 'listo para sentencia'.
Se hizo el listo y al final perdió todo.
He acted smart and in the end lost everything.
Idiom 'hacerse el listo' (to play the smart-aleck).
Es un plan muy listo, pero arriesgado.
It's a very clever plan, but risky.
Using 'listo' to describe an abstract noun.
Habría estado listo si me hubieras avisado.
I would have been ready if you had warned me.
Conditional perfect and pluperfect subjunctive.
No es solo inteligente, es muy listo para los negocios.
He's not just intelligent, he's very sharp for business.
Distinguishing between 'inteligente' and 'listo'.
¡Ya estamos listos de papeles!
We finally have all our papers ready!
Colloquial idiom 'listo de papeles'.
La tecnología actual es cada vez más lista.
Current technology is increasingly smart.
Using 'listo' for inanimate 'smart' objects.
Me dejó listo con su comentario sarcástico.
He left me speechless/done with his sarcastic comment.
Idiom 'dejar listo' (to finish someone off/stun them).
Su estrategia fue tan lista que nadie la vio venir.
His strategy was so clever that nobody saw it coming.
Consecutive clause 'tan... que'.
El sistema está listo para su implementación global.
The system is ready for its global implementation.
Formal/Technical usage of 'estar listo'.
No conviene pasarse de listo en un entorno tan competitivo.
It's not advisable to be too clever in such a competitive environment.
Impersonal 'conviene' + infinitive.
Es un análisis muy listo de la situación política.
It's a very sharp analysis of the political situation.
Describing intellectual work as 'listo'.
Asegúrate de que todo esté listo de antemano.
Make sure everything is ready beforehand.
Imperative 'asegúrate' + subjunctive.
Fue un movimiento listo, propio de un veterano.
It was a clever move, typical of a veteran.
Appositive phrase 'propio de'.
La trama de la novela es sumamente lista.
The novel's plot is extremely clever.
Literary description.
A pesar de su juventud, es muy lista para detectar mentiras.
Despite her youth, she is very sharp at detecting lies.
Concessive 'a pesar de'.
La dialéctica entre el ser y el estar listo define gran parte de la ontología hispana.
The dialectic between being smart and being ready defines much of Hispanic ontology.
Academic/Philosophical usage.
El autor juega con la ambigüedad de 'listo' para caracterizar al protagonista.
The author plays with the ambiguity of 'listo' to characterize the protagonist.
Literary analysis.
Quedó listo de papeles tras años de litigio.
He was finally cleared/settled after years of litigation.
Advanced idiomatic usage in legal context.
Su agudeza mental lo sitúa como el más listo de su generación.
His mental sharpness positions him as the smartest of his generation.
High-register descriptive language.
No es que sea listo, es que es simplemente astuto.
It's not that he's smart, it's that he's simply cunning.
Subjunctive 'sea' in a 'no es que' construction.
La infraestructura ya está lista para soportar el incremento de tráfico.
The infrastructure is now ready to handle the increase in traffic.
Technical/Infrastructural context.
¡Hala, ya está listo!, dijo al terminar la obra maestra.
There, it's done!, he said upon finishing the masterpiece.
Interjection in a narrative context.
Sería de listos no subestimar al adversario.
It would be the smart thing not to underestimate the adversary.
Substantive use of 'listos' (it would be for smart people).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
As a noun, it means 'list'. As an adjective, it's the feminine of 'listo'.
More formal than 'listo' for 'ready'; implies a process of preparation.
Broad term for smart; 'listo' is more about being sharp or quick.
Implies being cunning or sly, whereas 'listo' is more general.
Literally 'awake', but used to mean 'mentally alert'.
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
Use with 'estar'.
Use with 'ser'.
Use '¡Listo!' to mean 'Done!'.
- Using 'ser' when you mean 'ready'.
- Using 'estar' when you mean 'smart'.
- Forgetting gender agreement (e.g., 'La niña es listo').
- Confusing 'lista' (ready) with 'la lista' (the list).
- Using 'listo' for 'finished' with inanimate objects in a way that sounds unnatural.
Tipps
Verb Choice
Always pause and think: am I talking about a state (estar) or a trait (ser)?
The 'Done' Clap
Native speakers often clap their hands once and say '¡Listo!' when finishing a task.
Feminine Confusion
Remember 'la lista' is 'the list'. 'Estoy en la lista' vs 'Estoy lista'.
Regional Use
In Mexico, 'listo' can be a way to say 'okay' or 'got it'.
Agreement
Double-check your plurals! 'Mis amigos están listos'.
Context Clues
If you hear 'listo' in a restaurant, it's almost always about the food or ordering.
Ready/Smart
Estar = E-state (Ready). Ser = S-mart.
Pasarse de listo
Use this phrase sparingly; it's quite strong and critical.
Pure Vowels
Don't let the 'o' at the end sound like 'oh-oo'. Keep it short.
Daily Use
Say '¡Listo!' to yourself every time you finish a chore.
Einprägen
Wortherkunft
Vulgar Latin
Kultureller Kontext
Commonly used as 'Done!' after a task.
Often used to mean 'Okay' or 'Understood'.
Frequently used in the context of being 'sharp' in business.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"¿Estás listo para el fin de semana?"
"¿Quién es la persona más lista que conoces?"
"¿Ya está lista la cena?"
"¿Estás listo para aprender algo nuevo hoy?"
"¿Crees que los perros son más listos que los gatos?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Escribe sobre un momento en el que no estuviste listo para algo.
Describe a una persona lista que admires.
¿Qué cosas necesitas tener listas antes de un viaje?
¿Te consideras una persona lista? ¿Por qué?
Haz una lista de tareas y marca 'listo' cuando termines.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenUsually no. 'Ser listo' is for people or animals to describe intelligence. For objects, use 'estar listo' to mean 'ready' or 'finished'.
'Listo' is more common in daily speech for immediate readiness. 'Preparado' implies a deeper level of preparation or training.
Calling someone 'un listo' or saying they are 'pasándose de listo' can be an insult, implying they are a smart-aleck or manipulative.
You can simply say '¡Listo!' or 'Ya está' or 'He terminado'.
Yes, it becomes 'lista' for feminine nouns and 'listos/listas' for plural nouns.
No, for 'clear' use 'claro' or 'transparente'.
Yes, it is a universal Spanish word, though its colloquial uses might vary slightly.
No, that would mean 'I am a smart person to leave'. You must say 'Estoy listo para salir'.
It means to act like you are smarter than you are or to try to trick someone.
Yes, the basic meaning of 'ready' is one of the first things Spanish students learn.
Teste dich selbst 185 Fragen
Write a sentence saying you are ready for the exam.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence saying your sister is very smart.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The dinner is ready.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Are you (plural) ready to go?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'pasarse de listo'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a smart dog in Spanish.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Everything will be ready tomorrow.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'listo' as an interjection in a short dialogue.
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Translate: 'He is the smartest boy in the school.'
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Write a sentence about suitcases being ready.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I hope you are ready.'
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Explain the difference between 'ser listo' and 'estar listo' in Spanish.
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Translate: 'Ready to wear.'
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Write a sentence using 'hacerse el listo'.
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Translate: 'We were ready an hour ago.'
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Translate: 'A very clever solution.'
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Write a sentence about a smart phone using 'listo'.
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Translate: 'Don't be a smart-aleck.'
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Translate: 'The project is ready for review.'
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Write a sentence about being 'ready for anything'.
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Say 'I am ready' in Spanish.
Read this aloud:
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Ask 'Are you ready?' to a friend.
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Say 'He is very smart' in Spanish.
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Say 'Dinner is ready' in Spanish.
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Exclaim 'Done!' in Spanish.
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Say 'We are ready to eat' in Spanish.
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Ask 'Are the suitcases ready?' in Spanish.
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Say 'She is the smartest' in Spanish.
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Say 'Don't be a smart-aleck' in Spanish.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'Everything is ready' in Spanish.
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Say 'I am not ready yet' in Spanish.
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Say 'It was a clever move' in Spanish.
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Say 'The coffee is ready' in Spanish.
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Say 'Are you ready for the trip?' in Spanish.
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Say 'My dog is smart' in Spanish.
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Say 'Ready to order?' to someone.
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Say 'I hope it's ready' in Spanish.
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Say 'They are very smart' in Spanish.
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Say 'Ready, set, go!' using 'listo'.
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Say 'Done and done!' in Spanish.
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Listen: '¿Estás listo?' What is the speaker asking?
Listen: 'Ella es muy lista.' What is her quality?
Listen: '¡Listo!, ya está.' What happened?
Listen: 'No estoy lista todavía.' Is she ready?
Listen: '¿Están listos para comer?' What is the context?
Listen: 'Es un chico listo.' Is he dumb?
Listen: 'La cena estará lista en diez minutos.' When will dinner be ready?
Listen: 'No te pases de listo.' Is this a warning?
Listen: 'Las maletas están listas.' What is ready?
Listen: '¿Quién es el más listo?' What is the question?
Listen: 'Todo está listo para el viaje.' Is the trip prepared?
Listen: 'Se hace el listo.' Is he actually smart?
Listen: '¿Listo para pedir?' Where are you?
Listen: '¡Qué lista eres!' Is this praise?
Listen: 'El taxi ya está listo.' Is the taxi here?
/ 185 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The meaning of 'listo' depends entirely on the verb: 'estar listo' is to be ready, while 'ser listo' is to be smart. Example: 'Estoy listo para el examen porque soy listo' (I am ready for the exam because I am smart).
- Listo means 'ready' with the verb 'estar' (temporary state).
- Listo means 'smart' or 'clever' with the verb 'ser' (permanent trait).
- It must agree in gender (listo/lista) and number (listos/listas) with the noun.
- It is commonly used as an exclamation meaning 'Done!' or 'Finished!'.
Verb Choice
Always pause and think: am I talking about a state (estar) or a trait (ser)?
The 'Done' Clap
Native speakers often clap their hands once and say '¡Listo!' when finishing a task.
Feminine Confusion
Remember 'la lista' is 'the list'. 'Estoy en la lista' vs 'Estoy lista'.
Regional Use
In Mexico, 'listo' can be a way to say 'okay' or 'got it'.
Beispiel
Ya estoy listo para salir.
Verwandte Inhalte
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr general Wörter
a causa de
A2Es bedeutet 'wegen' oder 'aufgrund von'. Es wird verwendet, um einen Grund anzugeben.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1Wohin? (zu welchem Ort oder Ziel?)
a lo mejor
A2Vielleicht; eventuell. 'A lo mejor' wird im Spanischen sehr häufig in der Umgangssprache verwendet.
a menos que
B1Es sei denn. Ich gehe nicht, es sei denn, er kommt. (I won't go unless he comes.)
a no ser que
B2Es bedeutet 'es sei denn' oder 'außer wenn'. Es leitet eine Ausnahme ein.
a pesar de
B1Trotz; ungeachtet. 'Er kam trotz des Regens.' (He came despite the rain.)
a_pesar_de
B2Trotz des Regens sind wir ausgegangen.
a propósito
B21. Übrigens / Apropos: verwendet, um das Thema zu wechseln. 2. Absichtlich: mit Vorsatz getan. 'Apropos, hast du mein Buch gesehen?' und 'Er hat es absichtlich gemacht.'
a raíz de
B2Infolge von; aufgrund von.