noun
A fund set aside for future needs, emergencies, or specific purposes, often used in business, accounting, and organizational contexts.
会社は将来の設備投資のために準備金を積み立てている。
The company is accumulating a reserve fund for future capital investment.
予期せぬ出費に備えて、準
It is important to secure a reserve fund in preparation for unexpected expenses.
予備費 is a budget item for unforeseen expenses, typically within a fiscal period, whereas 準備金 is a broader reserve that may be held over multiple periods.
Compound of 準備 (preparation) and 金 (money, fund). The term is a straightforward Sino-Japanese compound with no irregular historical derivation.