Significado
To arrange tableware for a meal.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, 'poner la mesa' is the standard. It often includes placing a 'mantel' (tablecloth), even for casual meals, reflecting a culture that values the dining experience. In Mexico, 'preparar la mesa' can be very elaborate during 'Día de los Muertos', where the table (ofrenda) is set with the favorite foods of deceased loved ones. For an 'asado' (barbecue), preparing the table is a communal activity. While the 'asador' cooks, others 'preparan la mesa' with simple wooden plates and plenty of wine glasses. In Colombia, 'arreglar la mesa' is a common variation. It implies making the table look nice and orderly for the family meal.
Use 'Poner' in Spain
If you are in Madrid or Barcelona, 'poner la mesa' will make you sound more like a local.
Avoid 'Hacer'
Never say 'hacer la mesa' unless you have a hammer and wood in your hands!
Significado
To arrange tableware for a meal.
Use 'Poner' in Spain
If you are in Madrid or Barcelona, 'poner la mesa' will make you sound more like a local.
Avoid 'Hacer'
Never say 'hacer la mesa' unless you have a hammer and wood in your hands!
Metaphorical usage
Use 'preparar la mesa' in business meetings to sound sophisticated when discussing preparation.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'preparar'.
Mañana, mis hermanos y yo ________ la mesa para la fiesta.
The sentence refers to 'Mañana' (tomorrow), so the future tense 'prepararemos' is correct for 'nosotros'.
Which of these is NOT a common way to say 'set the table'?
Selecciona la opción incorrecta:
'Hacer la mesa' is a literal translation from English and is not used in Spanish for setting the table.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Empareja las frases:
These are all common table-related collocations.
Complete the dialogue.
Madre: 'Hijo, la cena está lista.' Hijo: 'Vale, mamá. Yo ________ la mesa ahora mismo.'
The son is offering to set the table because the food is ready.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosMañana, mis hermanos y yo ________ la mesa para la fiesta.
The sentence refers to 'Mañana' (tomorrow), so the future tense 'prepararemos' is correct for 'nosotros'.
Selecciona la opción incorrecta:
'Hacer la mesa' is a literal translation from English and is not used in Spanish for setting the table.
Combine cada item a esquerda com seu par a direita:
These are all common table-related collocations.
Madre: 'Hijo, la cena está lista.' Hijo: 'Vale, mamá. Yo ________ la mesa ahora mismo.'
The son is offering to set the table because the food is ready.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is neutral. It's appropriate for both home and professional settings.
Yes, but that implies preparing the whole dining room, not just the table.
'Preparar' sounds more like a process, while 'poner' is the simple act of placing things.
Yes, in almost all cases you need the definite article.
You say 'recoger la mesa' or 'quitar la mesa'.
Yes, it is very common throughout Latin America.
Usually no. For a desk, you would say 'organizar el escritorio'.
They are called 'los cubiertos' (cutlery), 'la vajilla' (dishes), and 'la cristalería' (glassware).
Yes, waiters use it to describe getting a table ready for a reservation.
Yes: 'preparar la mesa para el desayuno'.
Frases relacionadas
Poner la mesa
synonymTo set the table.
Recoger la mesa
contrastTo clear the table.
Servir la mesa
similarTo serve the table.
Estar a la mesa
builds onTo be at the table.
