estaba preparando

was preparing

→ estar

phrase Rare #42,780

was preparing The imperfect form of preparar, used for an action that was in progress in the past. With a reflexive pronoun, as in se estaba preparando, it means “was getting ready.”

SP: Estaba preparando el desayuno cuando llamaste.

EN: I was preparing breakfast when you called.

En ese momento estaba preparando la cena.

At that moment I was preparing dinner.

Estaba preparando pollo.

I was preparing chicken.

— Doña Clara (2016)

Me estaba preparando un té.

I was making myself some tea.

— Dolor y gloria (2019)

Mi madre se estaba preparando para cenar.

My mother was getting ready for dinner.

Dijo que estaba preparando una sorpresa para su esposa.

He said he was preparing a surprise for his wife.