Translation guide
The English word 'ready' covers several distinct meanings: being prepared for something, being willing to do something, being about to do something, being quick or prompt, and being easily available. Japanese expresses these with different words and patterns depending on the nuance.
Expressing that someone or something is fully prepared, set up, or in a state to be used or to act.
The most common and neutral way to say 'ready' in the sense of being prepared. It literally means 'preparations are done'.
もう準備ができていますか？
Are you ready yet?
Dinner is ready.
Similar to 準備, but often implies that things are arranged or set out, especially for a specific purpose or event.
会議室の用意ができました。
The meeting room is ready.
Used when something is completed or finished being made, like food or a product. Often translated as 'ready' in contexts like 'dinner is ready'.
ケーキが出来上がった。
The cake is ready.
Expressing readiness in the sense of being mentally prepared, willing, or eager to do something.
A common pattern meaning 'ready to do something' in the sense of being willing or prepared to take action.
彼はいつでも手伝う用意がある。
He is always ready to help.
Emphasizes mental readiness or resolve. More formal and psychological.
彼女は困難に立ち向かう心構えができている。
She is ready to face difficulties.
Implies readiness for something difficult or unpleasant, often with a sense of resolve or resignation.
最悪の事態を覚悟ができている。
I'm ready for the worst.
Expressing that someone is on the verge of doing something or that something is about to happen.
Used when someone looks like they are about to do something. 'Ready to' in the sense of 'on the point of'.
彼女は今にも泣き出しそうだった。
She was ready to burst into tears.
Literally 'just about to do'. Describes an immediate future action.
出かけるところだ。
I'm just about to leave. / I'm ready to go.
Describing someone who is quick to understand, act, or respond; having a ready wit.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'quick-witted' or 'sharp'. Often used for someone who has a ready answer or comeback.
彼は頭の回転が速いから、どんな質問にもすぐ答えられる。
He's quick-witted, so he can answer any question right away.
Means 'immediate' or 'ready' as in a ready reply. Often used as an adjective.
彼は即座の返事をくれた。
He gave a ready answer.
Describing something that is readily available, convenient, or within easy reach.
Means 'handy', 'near at hand', or 'readily available'. Used for objects or resources.
手近な道具で直した。
I fixed it with whatever tools were ready to hand.
Literally 'can be used immediately'. Often used for ready-to-use items or services.
すぐ使えるデータが必要だ。
I need ready-to-use data.
The loanword レディー (redī) is rarely used in natural Japanese. It might appear in set phrases like レディース (ladies') or レディーファースト (ladies first), but not for the general meaning of 'ready'. Stick to the native expressions above.