disponer de
Lemma Details
Translation: to have at one's disposal; to have available; to dispose of; to make use of; to have
Part of Speech: verb phrase
Etymology: This verb phrase combines 'disponer' (from Latin 'disponere', meaning 'to arrange' or 'to set in order') with the preposition 'de'. The Latin root 'disponere' comes from 'dis-' (apart, in different directions) and 'ponere' (to place). The English cognate 'dispose' shares this etymology, though in Spanish the phrase 'disponer de' specifically emphasizes having something available for use rather than getting rid of something (which would be a common meaning in English).
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No dispongo de suficiente tiempo para terminar el proyecto.
I don't have enough time to finish the project.
La empresa dispone de recursos limitados.
The company has limited resources at its disposal.
¿Dispones de un momento para hablar?
Do you have a moment to talk?
Disponemos de varias opciones para resolver el problema.
We have several options available to solve the problem.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'dispose' in English, but remember in Spanish it means 'to have available' rather than 'to get rid of'
- Imagine 'disposing' things in an organized way so they're available for use when needed
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in both everyday conversation and formal contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. It's particularly common in business and administrative contexts when discussing resources, time, or money.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'disponer de' means 'to have available', 'deshacerse de' means 'to get rid of' or 'to dispose of' in the English sense of discarding something.
Confused word:
Quiero deshacerme de estos muebles viejos.
I want to get rid of these old pieces of furniture.
Notes: English speakers often confuse these because 'to dispose of' in English typically means to throw away, while in Spanish 'disponer de' means to have available.
Mnemonic: Remember: 'disponer de' is about having things at your disposal; 'deshacerse de' is about disposing of things you don't want.
Explanation: 'Disponer de' means 'to have available' while 'disponerse a' means 'to get ready to' or 'to prepare to'.
Notes: The reflexive form with 'a' changes the meaning completely from possession to preparation.
Mnemonic: 'Disponer de' is about what you HAVE; 'disponerse a' is about what you're ABOUT TO DO.