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 prepare; to make ready; to provide against. The act of getting ready for a future event or need.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb. Most commonly used with に備える (to prepare for): 地震に備える (to prepare for an earthquake), 将来に備える (to prepare for the future). Implies proactive preparation and foresight. Also used for stocking supplies: 食料を備える (to store food).

Examples

1. 地震に備えて水と食料を買っておいた。 I bought water and food to prepare for an earthquake.
2. 試験に備えて毎日勉強している。 I'm studying every day to prepare for the exam.
3. 冬に備えて暖房器具を用意した。 I got heating equipment ready for winter.

Usage Guide

Context: disaster preparation, planning, daily life

Tone: prudent

Origin & History

From the kanji 備 (bi/sonaeru), which originally depicted storing things in a container. The meaning evolved from 'to store' to 'to prepare thoroughly.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal