准备

• Pinyin: zhǔn bèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 准 = 冫(ice/water) + 隹 (short-tailed bird) — accurate, standard; 备 = 夂 + 田 (field) — to prepare, equip

Meaning

To prepare; to get ready. Also used as a noun meaning 'preparation'.

A versatile word meaning both 'to prepare' and 'preparation'. Can be followed by a verb to indicate intention: 我准备去中国 (I plan to go to China). Common phrases: 准备好了 (ready), 做准备 (to make preparations). Used in both casual and formal contexts.

Examples

1. 你准备好了吗？ Are you ready?
2. 我在准备明天的考试。 I'm preparing for tomorrow's exam.
3. 妈妈准备了很多好吃的。 Mum prepared lots of delicious food.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work, education

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们要准备出发了。(We need to get ready to leave.)
• 你准备好了吗？(Are you ready?)

Don't Say

• 我准备着考试。(Don't add 着 after 准备 for future events — say 我在准备考试 or 我准备考试)

Origin & History

Compound of 准 (accurate/standard) + 备 (to prepare/equip). 准 originally related to a water level, meaning accurate; 备 depicted equipment or supplies.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal