estaba preparando

was preparing

→ estar

phrase Rare #42,573

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.

Me estaba preparando un té.

I was making myself some tea.

— Dolor y gloria (2019)

En ese momento estaba preparando la cena.

At that moment I was preparing dinner.

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.

Estaba preparando pollo.

I was preparing chicken.

— Doña Clara (2016)