En 15 segundos
- Use it to say you are getting ready for an action.
- Place it directly before verbs or nouns.
- Works for both immediate actions and long-term plans.
Significado
This phrase is your go-to way to say you are getting ready to do something or are about to start an action. It bridges the gap between thinking about a task and actually doing it.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Leaving the house with friends
我准备好了，我们走吧！
I'm ready, let's go!
In a business meeting
我们准备开始今天的会议。
We are prepared to start today's meeting.
Texting a partner about dinner
我正在准备晚饭，你几点回来？
I'm preparing dinner, what time are you coming back?
Contexto cultural
In business, {准备|zhǔnbèi} often implies a very thorough background check or 'homework' before a meeting. Showing up without 'preparation' is a major faux pas. The usage is identical, but you might hear '{预备|yùbèi}' used slightly more often in school settings for 'getting ready' for class. While {准备|zhǔnbèi} is used in formal writing, in spoken Cantonese, 'zhun bei' is often replaced by 'douh bei' (ready). The proverb '{机会|jīhuì}{只|zhǐ}{给|gěi}{有|yǒu}{准备|zhǔnbèi}{的|de}{人|rén}' is a universal mantra for success among Chinese families worldwide.
The 'Ready' Shortcut
Always remember '{准备|zhǔnbèi}{好|hǎo}{了|le}' as a fixed chunk. It's the most common way to say 'I'm ready' or 'It's done.'
Don't over-prepare
Don't use {准备|zhǔnbèi} for things that happen in 2 seconds (like sitting down). Just do it!
En 15 segundos
- Use it to say you are getting ready for an action.
- Place it directly before verbs or nouns.
- Works for both immediate actions and long-term plans.
What It Means
准备 (zhǔnbèi) is a versatile powerhouse in Chinese. It means to prepare, to plan, or to be about to do something. It is the verbal equivalent of tying your shoelaces before a run. You use it when an action is on the horizon. It shows intent and readiness.
How To Use It
The structure is incredibly simple. Just put 准备 before a verb or a noun. Want to say you're preparing dinner? Use 准备晚饭. Planning to go to Beijing? Say 准备去北京. It works for both physical objects and future actions. You don't need complex grammar here. It is a plug-and-play expression for your daily life.
When To Use It
Use it when you are in the 'loading phase' of an activity. It is perfect for office meetings when you are 准备开会. Use it with friends when you are 准备出门 (getting ready to head out). It also works for big life plans. If you are thinking about moving, 准备搬家 is your phrase. It sounds proactive and organized.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that happen instantly without thought. You wouldn't say you are 准备呼吸 (preparing to breathe). Also, avoid it if the action is already happening. If you are already eating, don't say you are 准备吃. Use it only for the lead-up. It is about the 'before' stage, not the 'during' stage.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture highly values 'yù bèi' (preparation). There is a famous saying: 'Opportunity is for those who are prepared.' Using 准备 shows you are a responsible person. It implies you aren't just rushing in blindly. In social settings, saying you are 'preparing' something for a guest is a sign of deep respect.
Common Variations
You might hear 打算 (dǎsuàn), which means 'plan to.' While 准备 feels like you are actually packing bags, 打算 is more like a thought in your head. Another one is 就要...了, which means something is happening in mere seconds. 准备 sits right in the middle—it is practical, intentional, and very common.
Notas de uso
This is a neutral-register word. It is safe to use with your boss, your grandma, or your best friend. Just remember that adding 'hǎo le' after it changes it from the action of preparing to the state of being ready.
The 'Ready' Shortcut
Always remember '{准备|zhǔnbèi}{好|hǎo}{了|le}' as a fixed chunk. It's the most common way to say 'I'm ready' or 'It's done.'
Don't over-prepare
Don't use {准备|zhǔnbèi} for things that happen in 2 seconds (like sitting down). Just do it!
Humble Hosts
If a Chinese host says they 'haven't prepared anything,' don't take it literally. It's a compliment to you!
Ejemplos
6我准备好了，我们走吧！
I'm ready, let's go!
Adding '好了' makes it 'ready' (completed preparation).
我们准备开始今天的会议。
We are prepared to start today's meeting.
Sets a professional tone for the agenda.
我正在准备晚饭，你几点回来？
I'm preparing dinner, what time are you coming back?
Used with a noun (dinner) to show an ongoing task.
我准备明年去中国旅游。
I am planning to travel to China next year.
Shows a long-term intention or plan.
我的肚子准备好了！
My stomach is ready!
Personifying a body part for comedic effect.
别担心，我准备得很充分。
Don't worry, I've prepared very thoroughly.
Used to give reassurance about readiness.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {准备|zhǔnbèi}.
{我|wǒ}_____{好|hǎo}{了|le}，{我们|wǒmen}{出发|chūfā}{吧|ba}！
The phrase '{准备|zhǔnbèi}{好|hǎo}{le|le}' is the standard way to say 'I'm ready.'
Which sentence correctly uses {准备|zhǔnbèi} to show intention?
Select the most natural sentence:
Using {准备|zhǔnbèi} + Verb is the standard way to express a planned action.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {你|nǐ}{在|zài}{忙|máng}{什么|shénme}{呢|ne}？ B: {我|wǒ}{在|zài}_____{明天|míngtiān}{的|de}{会议|huìyì}。
You 'prepare' for a meeting ({准备|zhǔnbèi}{会议|huìyì}).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are about to start a race.
{预备|yùbèi} is the specific variation used for 'Ready!' in sports.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
{准备|zhǔnbèi} vs {打算|dǎsuàn}
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios{我|wǒ}_____{好|hǎo}{了|le}，{我们|wǒmen}{出发|chūfā}{吧|ba}！
The phrase '{准备|zhǔnbèi}{好|hǎo}{le|le}' is the standard way to say 'I'm ready.'
Select the most natural sentence:
Using {准备|zhǔnbèi} + Verb is the standard way to express a planned action.
A: {你|nǐ}{在|zài}{忙|máng}{什么|shénme}{呢|ne}？ B: {我|wǒ}{在|zài}_____{明天|míngtiān}{的|de}{会议|huìyì}。
You 'prepare' for a meeting ({准备|zhǔnbèi}{会议|huìyì}).
Situation: You are about to start a race.
{预备|yùbèi} is the specific variation used for 'Ready!' in sports.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasYes, but usually in the sense of training or getting them ready for a task. '{准备|zhǔnbèi}{接班人|jiēbānrén}' (Prepare a successor).
{准备|zhǔnbèi} is general. {预备|yùbèi} is more formal, often used in military, sports (Ready, set, go!), or for 'reserving' something.
It's both! '{我|wǒ}{在|zài}{准备|zhǔnbèi}' (verb) vs '{做|zuò}{准备|zhǔnbèi}' (noun).
Use '{我|wǒ}{还|hái}{没|méi}{准备|zhǔnbèi}{好|hǎo}。'
Yes, it's very common for 'preparing ingredients.'
Frases relacionadas
{打算|dǎsuàn}
similarTo plan or intend.
{计划|jìhuà}
similarA formal plan or project.
{筹备|chóubèi}
specialized formTo prepare/organize a large event.
{预备|yùbèi}
similarTo prepare/reserve.
{备用|bèiyòng}
builds onSpare / for standby use.
