兼備

• Reading: けんび
• Romaji: kenbi
• Kanji breakdown: 兼 (ken/ka) — combine, hold simultaneously; 備 (bi/sona) — possess, prepare, equip
• Pronunciation: /kembi/

Meaning

Combining; possessing both. Having two or more qualities or attributes simultaneously.

A suru-verb noun used to describe someone or something that holds two desirable qualities at the same time. The classic expression is 才色兼備 (saishoku kenbi — gifted with both talent and beauty). Conveys a sense of balance and completeness rather than trade-offs.

Examples

1. 彼女は知性と情熱を兼備した、稀有なリーダーだ。 She is a rare leader who possesses both intellect and passion.
2. 才色兼備と称えられた彼女は、どの場でも注目を集めた。 Praised for her combination of beauty and talent, she drew attention wherever she went.
3. 機能性と美しさを兼備したデザインが高い評価を受けた。 The design, combining both functionality and beauty, received high acclaim.

Usage Guide

Context: compliments, design, character description, business

Tone: admiring

Origin & History

Compound of 兼 (ken, to combine/hold simultaneously) and 備 (bi, to possess/be equipped with). Together they mean to be simultaneously equipped with multiple attributes.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated