備える

• Reading: そなえる
• Romaji: sonaeru
• Kanji breakdown: 備 (bi/sonaeru) — prepare, equip, furnish
• Pronunciation: /so.na.e.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be furnished with; to possess; to be endowed with. Describes having a quality or feature built in.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb used in the pattern を備える or を備えている to describe inherent qualities or installed features. Common usage: 才能を備えている (to be endowed with talent), 機能を備えている (to be equipped with a function). Distinct from the 'prepare' sense — this emphasizes possession of qualities rather than active preparation.

Examples

1. この車は最新の安全機能を備えている。 This car is equipped with the latest safety features.
2. 彼はリーダーとしての資質を備えている。 He possesses the qualities of a leader.
3. このホテルはすべての部屋にキッチンを備えている。 This hotel has a kitchen in every room.

Usage Guide

Context: product descriptions, evaluations, business

Tone: descriptive

Origin & History

Same origin as the 'prepare' sense — from 備 (bi/sonaeru). The 'possess/be equipped with' meaning developed from the idea that something thoroughly prepared naturally has all necessary features.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal