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A1 verb #1,800 más común 7 min de lectura

preparar

Top 1,800

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos preparar en 30 segundos

Explicación preparar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'preparar' is used for very basic, concrete actions. You will mostly use it to talk about preparing simple meals (preparar o pequeno-almoço), getting your bag ready for school (preparar a mochila), or getting ready to go out. The focus is on the present tense and simple future. Learners should focus on the basic 'Subject + Verb + Object' structure. It's one of the first verbs you learn to describe your daily routine. You might say 'Eu preparo o café' every morning. At this stage, don't worry too much about complex reflexive forms, just focus on the transitive use of making things ready.

At A2, you start using 'preparar' for slightly more complex daily tasks and travel. You might talk about 'preparar as malas' (packing suitcases) or 'preparar uma festa' (preparing a party). You also begin to use the reflexive form 'preparar-se' to describe your morning routine or getting ready for an appointment. You will use it in the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to describe what you did yesterday: 'Ontem, eu preparei um jantar especial'. The concept of preparation expands from just food to general life organization and social events.

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At the B1 level, 'preparar' begins to include mental and professional preparation. You will use it to talk about preparing for exams (preparar-se para os exames) or preparing a presentation for work (preparar uma apresentação). You start to use it with more abstract objects like 'preparar o futuro' or 'preparar uma mudança'. You will also use it in the imperfect tense to describe ongoing preparations in the past: 'Eu estava a preparar a reunião quando o telefone tocou'. The use of prepositions like 'para' becomes more consistent and accurate.

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At B2, 'preparar' is used in professional and technical contexts with higher precision. You might discuss 'preparar um contrato' (drafting a contract) or 'preparar o terreno' (metaphorically setting the stage for something). You are comfortable using it in the subjunctive mood to express desires or conditions: 'Espero que eles preparem tudo a tempo'. You also understand the nuance between 'preparar' and more formal synonyms like 'elaborar' or 'viabilizar'. Your use of the reflexive 'preparar-se' is fluid, even in complex sentences with multiple clauses.

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At C1, 'preparar' is used in sophisticated, often metaphorical ways. You might read about a politician 'preparando o caminho' for a new law or a philosopher 'preparando o espírito' for a difficult truth. You understand the stylistic choice of using 'preparar' versus 'providenciar' or 'delinear'. You can use the verb in literary contexts and understand its nuances in formal speeches. Your mastery includes all tenses, including the more obscure ones, and you can use the verb to express subtle differences in intent and readiness in academic or professional writing.

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At the C2 level, 'preparar' is used with total native-like flexibility, including in idiomatic and highly abstract expressions. You can use it to discuss the 'preparação' of a complex scientific experiment or the 'preparar' of a masterpiece in literature. You understand the historical etymology and how it relates to other Romance languages. You can use it to convey irony, sarcasm, or deep emotional states. At this level, the verb is a tool for precision, used to distinguish between the most minute differences in readiness, planning, and execution in any possible context, from high-level diplomacy to classical poetry.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

preparar en 30 segundos

A versatile verb meaning 'to prepare' or 'to get ready'.
Used for food, tasks, travel, and mental readiness.
A regular -ar verb, making it easy to conjugate.
Can be used reflexively (preparar-se) to mean 'getting oneself ready'.

The Portuguese verb preparar is a fundamental pillar of daily communication, essentially meaning 'to prepare' or 'to get ready'. At its core, it describes the action of arranging, organizing, or processing something so that it is fit for a specific purpose or immediate use. Whether you are in the kitchen, at the office, or getting ready for a night out, this verb is your go-to tool for describing the transition from a state of 'not ready' to 'ready'.

Literal Preparation: This refers to the physical act of making something, like food or a suitcase. It involves tangible steps to reach a final state of readiness.

Eu vou preparar o almoço agora mesmo.

Mental Readiness: Beyond physical objects, it applies to the mind. You can prepare yourself for news, for an exam, or for a life change.

Eles estão a preparar uma surpresa para ti.

Technical Setup: In professional contexts, it means setting up equipment, software, or documents for a meeting or project.

O técnico vai preparar o computador para a apresentação.

Precisamos de preparar as malas para a viagem.

Ela gosta de preparar tudo com antecedência.

Understanding 'preparar' involves recognizing its versatility. It isn't just about the end result, but the process of intention. When you prepare, you are taking proactive steps. In Portuguese culture, preparation is often seen as a sign of care, especially regarding hospitality and food. To prepare a meal for someone is a gesture of affection. Furthermore, the verb extends into the academic world, where students 'preparam-se' for the 'exames nacionais'. It is a word that bridges the gap between thought and action, making it indispensable for any learner aiming for fluency.

Using preparar correctly requires understanding its transitive and reflexive forms. As a transitive verb, it takes a direct object: you prepare *something*. As a reflexive verb (preparar-se), the action reflects back on the subject: you prepare *yourself*. This distinction is vital for sounding natural in Portuguese.

Transitive Usage: Subject + Preparar + Object. Example: 'Eu preparo o café' (I prepare the coffee).

Vou preparar um relatório detalhado.

Reflexive Usage: Subject + Pronoun + Preparar. Example: 'Eu preparo-me para o frio' (I prepare myself for the cold).

Tens de te preparar para o pior cenário.

Prepositional Links: We often use 'para' (for) after preparar to indicate the purpose. 'Preparar para o exame'.

Estamos a preparar o terreno para a construção.

Ela vai preparar a massa com farinha integral.

O governo deve preparar novas medidas económicas.

When conjugating 'preparar', remember it follows the standard -ar pattern: preparo, preparas, prepara, preparamos, preparais, preparam. In the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), it is: preparei, preparaste, preparou, preparámos, preparastes, prepararam. Mastery of these forms allows you to talk about past efforts and future plans. It is also common in the imperative mood when giving instructions: 'Prepara os ingredientes antes de começar' (Prepare the ingredients before starting). This verb is the backbone of instructional Portuguese, from recipes to DIY manuals.

You will encounter preparar in almost every facet of Lusophone life. From the bustling kitchens of Lisbon to the corporate offices of São Paulo, the word is ubiquitous. It is a 'high-frequency' verb, meaning it appears in the top tier of words used in daily conversation, media, and literature.

In the Kitchen: Chefs and home cooks use it constantly. 'Preparar a refeição' is more formal than 'fazer a comida'.

O chef está a preparar um prato especial.

At School/University: Teachers tell students to prepare for exams, and students discuss how they are preparing their theses.

Os alunos precisam de preparar a apresentação.

In Business: It refers to drafting documents, setting up meetings, or strategizing for the next quarter.

Vamos preparar o contrato amanhã.

A cidade está a preparar as festas de Natal.

O médico vai preparar a cirurgia.

In weather reports, meteorologists warn citizens to 'preparar-se' for storms or heatwaves. In music, a conductor 'prepara' the orchestra. The word carries a sense of anticipation and readiness. When you hear it, pay attention to what follows—it usually signals the start of a significant event or process. In Brazilian Portuguese, you might also hear 'prepara!' as a slang or exclamation (popularized by pop culture) meaning 'get ready' or 'watch out'. This wide range of contexts makes it a vital word for understanding the flow of life in Portuguese-speaking countries.

Even though preparar is straightforward, learners often stumble on specific nuances, especially regarding prepositions and its relationship with similar verbs like 'fazer' or 'arrumar'.

Mistaking 'Preparar' for 'Fazer': While 'fazer' means 'to do/make', 'preparar' implies a process of getting ready. Don't say 'preparar um erro' (prepare a mistake); say 'cometer um erro'.

Errado: Vou preparar a cama (unless you are building it). Correto: Vou fazer/arrumar a cama.

Preposition Confusion: Learners often forget 'para'. It's 'preparar-se PARA algo', not 'preparar-se DE algo'.

Tens de te preparar para a entrevista.

Reflexive Omission: Forgetting the 'se' when you are the one getting ready. 'Eu preparo' (I prepare something) vs 'Eu preparo-me' (I get ready).

Eu preparo-me todas as manhãs às sete.

Não digas 'preparar o quarto' se queres dizer 'clean the room'.

Ele esqueceu-se de preparar os documentos.

Another common error is the word order in negative sentences. In European Portuguese, you say 'Não me preparo', while in affirmative it's 'Preparo-me'. This shift can be confusing. Also, be careful with the past participle 'preparado'. While it means 'prepared', it can also mean 'ready' or 'trained'. Using it as an adjective is common, but don't confuse the verb action with the state of being. Finally, remember that 'preparar' is a very active verb; it implies effort. Using it for passive or accidental situations is usually a mistake. Focus on the intention behind the action to use it correctly.

To truly master preparar, it helps to see how it sits alongside its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different flavor or context.

Organizar vs. Preparar: 'Organizar' focuses on the order and structure, while 'preparar' focuses on the readiness for use.

Vou organizar os livros, mas vou preparar a estante para a pintura.

Arrumar vs. Preparar: 'Arrumar' often means to tidy up or put things in their place. 'Preparar' is more about the upcoming action.

Podes arrumar a mesa enquanto eu vou preparar o chá.

Planear vs. Preparar: 'Planear' is the mental stage (planning), while 'preparar' is the execution of those plans.

Primeiro vamos planear a rota, depois vamos preparar o carro.

Ele vai preparar o cenário para a peça de teatro.

É preciso preparar o espírito para as notícias.

In academic contexts, you might hear 'elaborar', which means to prepare something with great detail, like a thesis or a complex plan. In sports, 'treinar' (to train) is often a synonym for 'preparar-se fisicamente'. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the most precise word for your situation. While 'preparar' is a safe 'umbrella' term, using 'organizar' or 'elaborar' can make your Portuguese sound more sophisticated and exact. Always consider if the focus is on the order (organizar), the physical making (fazer), or the readiness for a future event (preparar).

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Regular -ar verb conjugation.

Reflexive pronoun placement.

Use of the preposition 'para' after verbs of preparation.

Future tense with 'ir' + infinitive.

Imperative mood for instructions.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Eu preparo o café.

I prepare the coffee.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Tu preparas a mochila?

Do you prepare the backpack?

Question form, 2nd person singular.

Ela prepara o almoço.

She prepares lunch.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Nós preparamos o chá.

We prepare the tea.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Eles preparam a mesa.

They prepare the table.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Vou preparar uma sanduíche.

I'm going to prepare a sandwich.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Podes preparar a água?

Can you prepare the water?

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.

Ela gosta de preparar bolos.

She likes to prepare cakes.

Verb 'gostar de' + infinitive.

Eu preparei as malas ontem.

I prepared the suitcases yesterday.

Pretérito Perfeito.

Eles prepararam uma festa surpresa.

They prepared a surprise party.

Past tense, 3rd person plural.

Vais preparar-te para sair?

Are you going to get ready to go out?

Reflexive future.

Nós preparamos tudo para a viagem.

We prepared everything for the trip.

Past tense, 1st person plural.

Ela preparou um jantar delicioso.

She prepared a delicious dinner.

Past tense, 3rd person singular.

Precisas de preparar o teu quarto.

You need to prepare your room.

Infinitive after 'precisar de'.

Eles estão a preparar o carro.

They are preparing the car.

Present continuous (PT).

Eu vou preparar-me agora.

I am going to get ready now.

Reflexive future.

Estou a preparar-me para o exame de condução.

I am preparing for the driving test.

Reflexive continuous.

O professor preparou uma aula interessante.

The teacher prepared an interesting class.

Pretérito Perfeito.

Temos de preparar a apresentação para amanhã.

We have to prepare the presentation for tomorrow.

Obligation with 'ter de'.

Ela preparava o pequeno-almoço todos os dias.

She used to prepare breakfast every day.

Pretérito Imperfeito.

É importante preparar o currículo com cuidado.

It is important to prepare the CV carefully.

Impersonal expression + infinitive.

Eles prepararam-se bem para a entrevista.

They prepared themselves well for the interview.

Reflexive past.

Vou preparar um plano de estudos.

I will prepare a study plan.

Future intent.

Ela ajudou-me a preparar a mudança.

She helped me prepare the move.

Compound action.

O governo está a preparar novas leis laborais.

The government is preparing new labor laws.

Continuous with plural object.

Espero que tu prepares o relatório a tempo.

I hope you prepare the report on time.

Present Subjunctive.

Eles tinham preparado a sala antes de chegarmos.

They had prepared the room before we arrived.

Pretérito Mais-que-Perfeito Composto.

É necessário preparar o terreno para o investimento.

It is necessary to set the stage for the investment.

Metaphorical usage.

Se eu preparasse melhor, teria tido sucesso.

If I had prepared better, I would have succeeded.

Imperfect Subjunctive + Conditional.

Estamos a preparar o lançamento do novo produto.

We are preparing the launch of the new product.

Business context.

Ela preparou-se psicologicamente para o desafio.

She prepared herself psychologically for the challenge.

Reflexive with adverb.

O advogado preparou a defesa minuciosamente.

The lawyer prepared the defense meticulously.

Professional context.

A empresa está a preparar uma reestruturação profunda.

The company is preparing a deep restructuring.

Complex noun phrase.

Convém que nos preparemos para eventuais crises.

It is advisable that we prepare for eventual crises.

Subjunctive with 'convém que'.

O autor preparou o clímax do romance com mestria.

The author prepared the novel's climax masterfully.

Literary context.

Eles prepararam uma cilada ao seu adversário político.

They prepared a trap for their political opponent.

Figurative usage (trap).

O cientista preparou as amostras para a análise química.

The scientist prepared the samples for chemical analysis.

Technical/Scientific context.

Temos de preparar o espírito para a transição digital.

We must prepare the mind for the digital transition.

Abstract usage.

A equipa técnica preparou o cenário para o espetáculo.

The technical team prepared the stage for the show.

Specific industry context.

Ele preparou o seu sucessor durante vários anos.

He prepared his successor for several years.

Long-term process.

A conjuntura atual obriga-nos a preparar planos de contingência.

The current situation forces us to prepare contingency plans.

High-level vocabulary.

Preparar-se-ia o terreno para uma revolução sem precedentes.

The ground would be prepared for an unprecedented revolution.

Conditional with mesoclisis (formal PT).

A minúcia com que preparou a sua tese é louvável.

The detail with which he prepared his thesis is commendable.

Relative clause with 'com que'.

Não se pode preparar a paz sem justiça social.

One cannot prepare peace without social justice.

Philosophical statement.

O destino parecia preparar-lhe uma surpresa amarga.

Fate seemed to be preparing a bitter surprise for him.

Personification of fate.

Prepararam a receção com uma pompa e circunstância raras.

They prepared the reception with rare pomp and circumstance.

Idiomatic formal expression.

É imperativo que se preparem os alicerces da nova sociedade.

It is imperative that the foundations of the new society be prepared.

Passive subjunctive construction.

A natureza prepara-se para o repouso invernal.

Nature prepares itself for winter rest.

Poetic/Literary usage.

Colocaciones comunes

preparar o jantar

preparar as malas

preparar um exame

preparar uma reunião

preparar o terreno

preparar uma surpresa

preparar o café

preparar um relatório

preparar a apresentação

preparar o futuro

Frases Comunes

preparar o caminho

preparar-se para o pior

preparar a mesa

preparar um golpe

preparar as malas

preparar o espírito

preparar uma armadilha

preparar o pequeno-almoço

preparar a saída

preparar a vinda

Se confunde a menudo con

preparar vs fazer

preparar vs arrumar

preparar vs organizar

Modismos y expresiones

"preparar a cama (to set someone up)"

"preparar o terreno (to lay the groundwork)"

"preparar o espírito (to brace oneself)"

"preparar a jogada (to plan a move/strategy)"

"preparar a sopa (to make things easy for someone - regional)"

"preparar o ninho (to prepare for a baby/new home)"

"preparar a lenha (to get ready for trouble)"

"preparar o palco (to set the stage)"

"preparar as armas (to get ready for a fight/argument)"

"preparar o salto (to get ready for a big change)"

Fácil de confundir

preparar vs

Patrones de oraciones

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Cómo usarlo

nuance

'Preparar' implies a deliberate process, unlike 'fazer' which is more general.

regional

In Brazil, 'preparar' is often used in pop music to mean 'get ready for a performance'.

Errores comunes

Eu preparo o cama.
We use 'fazer' or 'arrumar' for making the bed.
Estou a preparar para o exame.
You need the reflexive 'me' if you are the one preparing.
Vou preparar um erro.
You 'commit' a mistake, you don't 'prepare' it.
Ela prepara de a festa.
No preposition is needed for the direct object.
Nós preparamos-se.
The reflexive pronoun must match the subject 'nós'.

Consejos

Regularity

Since it's regular, use it to practice your -ar verb endings in all tenses.

Kitchen Use

Use 'preparar' when following a recipe to describe each step of the process.

Reflexive Pronouns

Practice the placement of 'me', 'te', 'se' with 'preparar' to sound more native.

Formal Tone

In formal emails, use 'preparar' to show you are working on a task: 'Estou a preparar o documento'.

Hospitality

Always offer to 'preparar um café' when hosting a Portuguese speaker.

Exam Prep

Use the phrase 'preparar-se para os exames' when talking about your studies.

Packing

The phrase 'preparar as malas' is essential for any travel-related conversation.

Groundwork

Use 'preparar o terreno' in professional meetings to sound more advanced.

News

Listen for 'preparar' in news reports about government actions or weather alerts.

Stress

The stress is on the last syllable in the infinitive: pre-pa-RAR.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'PRE-PARing' something before you use it.

Origen de la palabra

Latin

Contexto cultural

Intense preparation for national exams is a shared experience for youth.

Preparation for events like Carnival or Santos Populares is a community effort.

The verb is central to the rich culinary traditions of Portugal and Brazil.

Preparing coffee for guests is a universal sign of welcome.

Preparation is highly valued in the formal business culture of major cities.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"O que vais preparar para o jantar?"

"Como te preparas para os exames?"

"Já preparaste as tuas malas?"

"Podes ajudar-me a preparar a festa?"

"Quanto tempo levas a preparar-te de manhã?"

Temas para diario

Descreve como preparas o teu dia ideal.

O que precisas de preparar para a tua próxima viagem?

Como te preparas mentalmente para um desafio?

Escreve sobre uma vez que preparaste uma surpresa para alguém.

Quais são os passos para preparar o teu prato favorito?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, it can be used for anything that needs to be made ready, like bags, exams, or meetings.

You say 'Estou a preparar-me' (PT) or 'Estou me preparando' (BR).

Yes, 'preparar alguém' means to train or brief someone for a task.

'Cozinhar' is specifically for cooking with heat; 'preparar' is broader and includes making salads or sandwiches.

It is almost always 'preparar para'.

Yes, it follows the standard -ar conjugation pattern.

Yes, it means 'ready' or 'prepared'.

For 'I prepared', use 'Eu preparei'.

It's an idiom meaning to lay the groundwork or prepare the way for something.

Yes, very frequently for reports, meetings, and strategies.

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