Translation guide
How to express 'prepare oneself' in Japanese, covering mental readiness, physical preparation, and getting ready for events or challenges.
To get mentally ready for something, brace oneself, or steel one's nerves.
Literally 'do mental preparation'. The most common and natural way to express preparing oneself mentally for an upcoming event, especially one that is emotionally challenging.
面接の前に心の準備をした。
I prepared myself mentally before the interview.
悪い知らせを聞く心の準備ができていない。
I'm not mentally prepared to hear bad news.
To resolve oneself, to be determined and ready for a difficult or unpleasant outcome. Implies a strong decision to face something.
彼は失敗を覚悟を決めて挑戦した。
He prepared himself for failure and took on the challenge.
To brace oneself, to steel one's nerves. A more colloquial and vivid expression, often used when facing a daunting task.
腹をくくって上司に反論した。
I braced myself and talked back to my boss.
To prepare one's body, belongings, or immediate surroundings for an activity or event.
General 'prepare'. When the object is oneself, it often implies getting ready in a practical sense. Can be used with '自分自身を' for emphasis.
旅行の前に自分自身の準備をした。
I prepared myself before the trip.
試験のためにしっかり準備をした。
I prepared myself thoroughly for the exam.
To get dressed and ready, to prepare one's appearance. Used for getting ready to go out, for a ceremony, etc.
彼女はパーティーのために身支度をした。
She prepared herself for the party.
To get into a state of readiness, to prepare one's stance or posture. Often used in sports, military, or business contexts.
チームは試合に向けて態勢を整えた。
The team prepared themselves for the match.
To get ready for something that will happen, often with a sense of anticipation or proactive effort.
To prepare for, to provide for. Often used with 'に' to indicate the event. Implies making arrangements or taking precautions.
地震に備えて水を買っておいた。
I prepared myself for earthquakes by buying water.
老後に備える。
Prepare for old age.
To mentally prepare, to have the right mindset. Similar to 心の準備 but emphasizes attitude and readiness.
新しい仕事に対する心構えをしておいてください。
Please prepare yourself mentally for the new job.
Readiness, resolution. Often used in the phrase '覚悟はできている' (I am prepared/resolved).
準備 (じゅんび) is general preparation, often for events or tasks. 用意 (ようい) is more about having things ready, like setting out items. 支度 (したく) is specifically for getting dressed or packing for a trip. For 'prepare oneself', 準備 is most common, but 身支度 is used for personal grooming.
夕食の用意ができた。
Dinner is ready (prepared).
旅行の支度をする。
Get ready for a trip (pack, dress).
Directly translating 'prepare oneself' as '自分を準備する' is unnatural. Use the phrases above depending on context. For mental preparation, '心の準備をする' is the safest choice.
I am already prepared for it.