Translation guide
The act or process of making ready or being made ready for something. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns, verbs, and set phrases depending on what is being prepared and the context.
Expressing the act of preparing for something in a broad sense, such as for an event, trip, or daily activity.
I'm preparing for the trip.
Are you ready for the exam? (lit. Have you finished preparing for the exam?)
Often interchangeable with 準備, but emphasizes having things ready or arranged in advance, especially physical items. Implies a state of readiness.
Breakfast is ready. (lit. The preparation of breakfast is done.)
To prepare emergency food in advance.
Refers specifically to getting oneself ready, such as dressing, grooming, or packing personal items. Often used for daily routines.
Are you ready yet? (e.g., to go out)
To prepare dinner. (Can also be used for meal preparation, but 用意 is more common.)
Referring to arrangements, groundwork, or setup for something like a party, meeting, or construction.
Again the default choice. Use 準備する for the action of preparing.
Please help with the party preparations.
Refers to the planning, arrangement, or program of steps for an event or project. Emphasizes the logistical flow.
Preliminary or groundwork preparation. Often used for research, cooking, or projects where initial steps are needed.
Getting oneself mentally ready for a challenge, speech, or difficult situation.
Describing a condition where everything is set and ready to go.
Both mean 'to be ready/prepared'. 準備 is more general; 用意 often implies physical items are in place.
Are you ready?
We are ready to leave at any time.
準備 (junbi) is the broadest term for preparation of any kind. 用意 (youi) focuses on having things ready, often tangible items. 支度 (shitaku) is for personal readiness (getting dressed, packing) or sometimes meal preparation. In many daily situations, 準備 and 用意 are interchangeable, but 支度 is more limited.
To prepare for a trip. (Both OK, 準備 sounds more about planning, 用意 about packing.)
To get dressed/ready (to go out). (支度 is natural here, not 準備 or 用意.)
English often uses 'preparation' in contexts where Japanese uses more specific verbs or set phrases. For example, 'I'm preparing dinner' is naturally 夕食を作っている (I'm making dinner) rather than 夕食の準備をしている, though the latter is also possible. Consider whether a simpler verb fits better.
Let's decide the plan/procedure before starting the work.
To do the prep work for cooking (e.g., chopping vegetables).
覚悟はできている。
I am prepared (for the worst). / I have made up my mind.