The Word of the Day - LISTO

Let's start with something very easy. Oftentimes confusion is caused with the word LISTO. "Listo" can mean (1) ready or (2) clever and smart in Spanish. Using following examples, let's try do define what's the rule, or in other words when to use what in order to avoid embarrassing situations.

¿Está Ud. listo? – Are you ready?

Todo está listo. – Everything is ready.

No crea, es más listo de lo que parece. – Don’t get the wrong idea, he is smarter than he looks.

Now, if some of the grammar in the sentences above is unfamiliar for you, don’t freak out. Concentrate on the task of figuring out when the word means “ready” and when – “clever”.

Don’t look. Think again…

I hope you got it – with “estar” it’s “ready”, and with “ser” it’s “clever”.

Ask questions, if you have any! See you in the next post.

With lots of love and respect,

Igor

PS: the word "listo" can become faminine "lista", but be careful, because "lista" also can mean a roll, a list or even a menu. Check out these examples:

Tráigame la lista de vinos. – Bring me the wine list.

Aquí está la lista de platos. – Here is the menu.

Pasar lista. – Call the roll.

Tela a listas. – Striped cloth. (listado (adjective) - striped)

Lista de correos. – General delivery.

¡Buen Día!