Translation guide
The English word 'preparations' refers to the actions, arrangements, or things done in advance to get ready for something. In Japanese, the most common and versatile equivalent is 準備 (junbi), but depending on the context, other words like 用意 (youi), 支度 (shitaku), or 手配 (tehai) may be more natural. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on the type of preparation and the situation.
The broadest sense of making arrangements or taking steps in advance for an event, task, or future situation.
The most common and general word for 'preparations'. It covers a wide range of situations, from everyday tasks to large-scale projects. It can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (準備する).
Have you finished the preparations for the trip?
Often interchangeable with 準備, but 用意 emphasizes having things ready or at hand for immediate use. It can imply a state of readiness rather than the process. Commonly used for setting out items or making arrangements for a specific purpose.
Refers specifically to preparations related to dressing, grooming, or packing for going out. Often used for getting ready in the morning or before a trip. More personal and immediate than 準備.
Preparations involving coordination, reservations, procurement, or administrative tasks.
Focuses on making arrangements, especially logistical ones like booking tickets, hiring services, or organizing resources. Often used in business or travel contexts.
Preparations that are formal, traditional, or associated with a particular occasion.
Still the default, but in formal contexts it can be paired with honorifics or specific nouns.
Getting oneself psychologically ready for something challenging or important.
Literally 'heart/mind preparation'. Used when bracing oneself for bad news, a difficult task, or an emotional event.
Describing that something is already prepared or in a state of being ready.
A common phrase meaning 'to be ready' or 'preparations are complete'. The verb できる indicates the state of readiness.
準備 (junbi) is the most general and can be used for almost any kind of preparation. 用意 (youi) emphasizes having things ready for immediate use, often implying a state of readiness. 支度 (shitaku) is limited to personal preparations like getting dressed or packing for an outing. For example, 旅行の準備 (trip preparations) is natural, but 旅行の支度 sounds more like packing your bags and getting yourself ready to leave. 用意 is common in phrases like 用意ができた (it's ready).
English often uses 'make preparations' as a set phrase. In Japanese, it's more natural to use the verb 準備する (junbi suru) or the noun + をする construction. Saying 準備を作る (junbi o tsukuru) is incorrect. Use 準備をする or simply 準備する.
I have to prepare for tomorrow's presentation.
お客様のために部屋の用意ができました。
The room is ready for the guests.
It's important to have emergency food prepared.
It takes time to get ready in the morning.
Please help me get ready to go out.
The hotel arrangements have already been made.
Please arrange transportation.
Refers to the planning and sequencing of steps to ensure a smooth process. Often used for events, projects, or work procedures. Implies a systematic approach.
Let's confirm the arrangements for the event.
If the work isn't well-organized, it takes longer.
Used for advance preparations that are built-in or set up beforehand, such as stocking ingredients, setting up equipment, or training. Common in cooking, theater, and business.
I do the prep work for cooking the day before.
It took six months to prepare for the wedding.
Specifically refers to setting up a venue, equipment, or facilities for an event. Common for conferences, exhibitions, or outdoor events.
We will start setting up the venue tomorrow morning.
Please prepare yourself mentally before hearing the results.
Implies readiness to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with determination. Stronger than 心の準備, often used for serious matters.
He took on the challenge prepared to fail.
We are ready to leave at any time.
Similar to 準備ができている, but often implies that specific items or arrangements are in place and ready for use.
Dinner is ready.