preparera

Preparera is a Swedish verb meaning to make something ready in advance, to arrange, or to set up for a future event. It is used transitively with a direct object (for example, preparera en måltid, preparera en presentation) and can also be used reflexively as preparera sig, meaning to prepare oneself. The nuance often communicates a deliberate, systematic stage of readiness rather than spontaneous action.

Origins and register: Preparera is a foreign-origin verb that has entered Swedish vocabulary in the modern period. It is most common in formal, technical, or professional language. In everyday speech, the synonym förbereda is more widely used for general preparation, while preparera appears more frequently in specialized contexts such as science, medicine, logistics, production, or project planning.

Usage and contexts: The verb is applied to a range of preparatory tasks, including preparing equipment, samples, procedures, data, documentation, meals, or plans. It can be part of phrases describing the setup required before an operation, experiment, meeting, or performance. Preparera sig is often used for mental or physical preparation, such as preparing oneself for a challenge or presentation.

Related terms: Förbereda is the most common everyday alternative meaning to prepare. Other related expressions include ställa i ordning (to arrange), ordna (to organize), and inreda (to furnish or decorate), depending on the nuance and domain.

See also: förbereda; ordna; ställa i ordning.