Learn when to use estar + para + infinitive in Spanish
Estar para: ready to/about to
In conversational Spanish we often use estar para (+ infinitive) when we want to express that someone/something is either "ready/prepared" to do something or "about to" do something.
For example:
Note that the last example above expressing it's about to rain, could also use por with the same meaning: "Está por llover"
No estar para: negative sentences
When it's used in a negative sentence it can also imply "not being in the mood for something" or "not being able to do something", for example:
Note that, with this same nuance, you may hear expressions using "no estar para" + noun, which are basically meaning the same but omitting the infinitive. For example, you could also say:
Estar para: a mission/purpose
We can also use estar para + infinitive to express that the subject has "a mission/a purpose", as in a general statement. For example:
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Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics
Examples and resources
No estoy para andar mucho. Todavía me duele la rodilla desde la caída de ayer.I am not ready to/cannot walk much. My knee still hurts from yesterday's fall.
Los médicos están para ayudar a los ciudadanos a tener una buena salud.Doctors are [there] to help citizens stay healthy.
