готовить vs готовиться
gotovit' vs gotovit'sya — prepare/cook something vs prepare oneself
Register: neutral
What it really means
Готовить is transitive: cook or prepare food, materials, or someone for something. Готовиться is reflexive: prepare oneself, especially for an exam, trip, or event; it takes к + dative. The form with -ся shifts attention to the person preparing.
Examples in natural speech
Я готовлю ужин.
I am cooking dinner.
Учитель готовит тест.
The teacher is preparing a test.
Она готовится к экзамену.
She is preparing for an exam.
Мы готовимся к поездке.
We are preparing for the trip.
Повар готовит суп.
The cook is making soup.
Common mistakes
Do not say готовиться экзамен; use готовиться к экзамену. Готовить к экзамену means prepare someone or material for it.
Memory tip
Готовить prepares something; готовиться prepares yourself.
Frequently asked questions
What case follows готовиться к?
Dative.
How do I say cook dinner?
Готовить ужин.
Can готовить mean prepare?
Yes, beyond food.
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