具备

• Pinyin: jù bèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 具 = 目 (eye/vessel) + 廾 (two hands) — holding a vessel with two hands, meaning to possess; 备 = 夂 + 用 — prepared for use

Meaning

To possess; to have; to be equipped with. Indicates that someone or something has all the necessary qualities, conditions, or requirements.

More formal than 有, 具备 emphasises completeness — having all the conditions fully in place. Commonly used in job descriptions, academic contexts, and formal evaluations. Often followed by abstract nouns like 能力 (ability), 条件 (conditions), 资格 (qualifications).

Examples

1. 他具备担任这个职位所需的全部条件。 He possesses all the conditions required for this position.
2. 这个项目目前还不具备实施的条件。 This project does not yet have the conditions in place for implementation.
3. 一名好老师应该具备耐心和责任心。 A good teacher should possess patience and a sense of responsibility.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, academic, evaluation

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 申请人需具备三年以上工作经验。(Applicants must have more than three years of work experience.)
• 他已经具备了独立工作的能力。(He is now equipped with the ability to work independently.)

Don't Say

• 我具备一本书 (Don't use 具备 with concrete physical objects — use 有 or 拥有 instead; 具备 is reserved for qualities, conditions, and capabilities)

Origin & History

A compound of 具 (tool; to possess — depicted as a vessel held in two hands) and 备 (to prepare; to be fully equipped), together meaning to have everything fully prepared and in place.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal