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.
The most common and versatile word for 'preparation'. Can be used as a noun or with する to form a verb. Covers preparing things, making arrangements, and getting ready mentally or physically.
旅行の準備をしています。
I'm preparing for the trip.
試験の準備はできましたか。
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.
朝ごはんの用意ができました。
Breakfast is ready. (lit. The preparation of breakfast is done.)
非常食を用意しておく。
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.
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.
パーティーの準備を手伝ってください。
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.
Literally 'heart/mind preparation'. Used when bracing oneself emotionally or mentally.
心の準備ができていない。
I'm not mentally prepared.
Readiness to face something difficult or unpleasant; resolution. Stronger than 心の準備, implies determination.
覚悟はできている。
I am prepared (for the worst). / I have made up my mind.
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.
準備はできていますか？
Are you ready?
いつでも出発できる用意ができている。
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.
旅行の準備／用意をする。
To prepare for a trip. (Both OK, 準備 sounds more about planning, 用意 about packing.)
身支度をする。
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.
料理の下準備をしておく。
To do the prep work for cooking (e.g., chopping vegetables).