Spanish Phrase
¿Listos, entonces?
Meaning
Literally, 'Ready, then?' It is a quick way to ask a group if everyone is prepared before moving on. The phrase carries a friendly, informal tone and often appears in classrooms, meetings, or social gatherings.
When to use
Use it right before you start an activity, a lesson, a game, or a trip. It works best in informal or semi‑formal settings where the speaker has authority or is coordinating a group.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Listos,entonces?
Adjective as predicate
In Spanish, adjectives like 'listos' can function as a short answer to a question, standing in for a full clause such as '¿Están listos?'.
Ellipsis of the verb
The verb 'estar' is omitted for brevity; the listener infers '¿Están listos?' from context.
Entoncés (adverb)
'Entonces' means 'then' or 'so' and is used here to signal a transition to the next step.
Agreement in gender/number
'Listos' is masculine plural; if the group is all female, you would say '¿Listas, entonces?'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Listos, entonces?
Ready, then?
¡Sí! Vamos.
Yes! Let's go.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Listo, entonces?
Use the plural form when addressing a group; 'listo' is singular.
¿Entonces, listos?
The natural order is adjective first, then the adverb; swapping sounds awkward.
¿Listos entonces?
A comma is needed to separate the two parts and signal a brief pause.
↔Alternatives
¿Están listos?
Are you ready?
¿Todo listo?
Everything ready?
¿Listas, entonces?
Ready (feminine), then?
¿Listos ya?
Ready already?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking classrooms, teachers will say '¿Listos, entonces?' just before starting a new exercise. The phrase is informal but polite; avoid it in very formal business meetings unless you have a close rapport with the participants. In some regions, especially in Mexico, you might hear '¿Listos?' alone, dropping 'entonces' altogether.