Translation guide
How to express preparing mentally or physically for something difficult, unpleasant, or impactful in Japanese.
The speaker readies their mind for a challenging or unwelcome event, such as bad news, a tough conversation, or a demanding task.
The most direct and common way to say 'brace oneself' for something difficult or unpleasant. It implies a conscious decision to accept and face a tough situation.
悪い知らせを聞く覚悟はできている。
I'm braced for bad news.
He braced himself to resign.
Literally 'to prepare one's heart/mind'. A softer, more everyday expression than 覚悟する. Used when you need to get mentally ready for something.
面接の前に心の準備をした。
I braced myself before the interview.
An idiomatic expression meaning to resolve oneself or steel one's nerves, often for a decisive action. More vivid than 覚悟する.
彼は腹をくくって真実を話した。
He braced himself and told the truth.
The speaker tenses their body or takes a stable stance in anticipation of a physical force, such as a collision, a sudden movement, or heavy lifting.
To physically brace oneself, often by adopting a defensive posture. Used for sudden impacts or attacks.
彼はパンチに備えて身構えた。
He braced himself for the punch.
To plant one's feet firmly and resist a force. Often used when bracing against a push, pull, or heavy load.
The speaker gets ready for a negative outcome like a price increase, bad news, or a difficult period.
To brace oneself in advance. The ～ておく form adds the nuance of doing it beforehand.
値上げは避けられない。覚悟しておいたほうがいい。
A price hike is unavoidable. You should brace yourself.
A slightly formal or literary expression meaning to approach something with a prepared/resolute mind. Often used in warnings or advice.
この仕事は難しい。心してかかれ。
This job is tough. Brace yourself.
覚悟する is stronger and often implies accepting a negative outcome or hardship. 心の準備をする is more neutral and can be used for any mental preparation, including positive events like a performance.
死を覚悟する
to brace oneself for death
発表の前に心の準備をする
to mentally prepare before a presentation
Do not use 支える (to support) or 固定する (to fix) for 'brace oneself'. These refer to physically supporting an object, not preparing oneself.
I braced myself against the strong wind.
To tense one's muscles or apply strength in preparation for impact or effort. A general physical bracing.
ぶつかる前に、体に力を入れた。
I braced myself before the impact.