準備する

The Japanese verb 準備する (junbi suru) is a cornerstone of daily communication, functioning as a Suru-verb that translates most directly to "to prepare" or "to make arrangements." It is composed of two kanji characters: 準 (jun), which implies a standard, level, or semi-state, and 備 (bi), which means to provide, equip, or furnish. Together, they create a concept of bringing things up to a standard of readiness. This word is incredibly versatile and is used in contexts ranging from preparing for a small trip to organizing a massive international conference. Unlike some other words for preparation, junbi suru often implies a process that takes place over a period of time, involving multiple steps or items.

Standard Preparation

This refers to the act of getting tools, documents, or physical items ready for a specific event. For example, preparing for a lesson or a meeting.

In Japanese society, the act of junbi is highly valued. It reflects the cultural emphasis on omotenashi (hospitality) and dandori (the art of planning). When you use junbi suru, you aren't just saying you're getting ready; you're often implying a sense of responsibility toward the outcome. It is commonly heard in business settings where 'pre-preparation' (shitajunbi) is considered essential for a successful meeting. You will hear it in schools when teachers ask students to 'prepare' their textbooks, or at home when families 'prepare' for a guest's arrival. It covers both the mental and physical aspects of readiness, though it leans slightly more toward the physical arrangement of things.

Formal Contexts

In business, 'junbi' is used for logistics, such as 'kaigi no junbi' (preparing for a meeting) or 'shiryou no junbi' (preparing materials).

Furthermore, the word can be used in the passive form junbi sareru (to be prepared) or as a noun junbi (preparation). It is a neutral word, making it safe for both formal and informal situations. However, when talking about very personal preparation like getting dressed or putting on makeup, Japanese speakers often prefer shitaku suru. Knowing when to use junbi suru versus its synonyms is a key step in moving from A2 to B1 level Japanese. It suggests a level of organization and foresight that is deeply integrated into Japanese linguistic etiquette.

Abstract Preparation

It can also mean mental preparation, though 'kokoro no junbi' (mental preparation) is the specific phrase used for getting one's heart/mind ready.

Using 準備する correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a transitive Suru-verb. Typically, the thing being prepared is marked with the object particle を (wo). For example, 'shokuji wo junbi suru' (to prepare a meal). However, you can also prepare *for* an event, in which case the event is often marked with the particle の (no) followed by 'junbi', or sometimes に向けて (ni mukete) for larger goals. Understanding these particles is essential for natural-sounding Japanese.

Direct Object Usage

[Item] + を + 準備する. This is the most common pattern for physical objects.

Another common pattern is using the noun form 準備 followed by ができる (ga dekiru) to say "preparations are complete" or "to be ready." This is a passive state of readiness. For instance, 'junbi ga dekimashita' means 'I am ready' or 'it is ready.' This shift from the active verb to the state-of-being noun is very common in polite conversation. When you are in the middle of preparing, you use the continuous form 準備しています (junbi shite imasu). This is frequently heard when someone asks if you are ready to leave and you are still packing your bag.

Event Preparation

[Event] + の + 準備をする. This focuses on the overall process of getting ready for an occasion.

In formal writing or news reports, you might see 準備を進める (junbi wo susumeru), which means 'to proceed with preparations.' This adds a layer of professionalism and suggests a large-scale project is underway. Conversely, in casual speech, people might just say 'junbi shite!' (Get ready!). Because it is a Sino-Japanese word (Kango), it carries a slightly more structured and systematic feel than the native Japanese (Wago) equivalent 'yōi suru,' although in many modern contexts, they are used interchangeably. Mastering the nuances of when to use the particle 'wo' versus 'no' will make your Japanese sound much more native.

Potential Form

[Target] + を + 準備できる. This expresses the ability to prepare something.

If you live in Japan, 準備する is a word you will hear dozens of times a day. One of the most common places is in the service industry. Before a shop or restaurant opens, you might see a sign that says 準備中 (Junbi-chū), which means 'Under Preparation' or 'Currently Closed (getting ready to open).' This is the standard way to inform customers that the staff is busy setting up tables, cooking the first batch of food, or cleaning the floors. It's a polite way of saying 'not yet open.'

Public Announcements

At train stations, you might hear announcements about a train being 'prepared' at the platform.

In the workplace, 'junbi' is the lifeblood of Japanese corporate culture. The concept of nemawashi (laying the groundwork) is a form of junbi where you talk to stakeholders individually before a big meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page. When a manager says 'Junbi wa ii desu ka?' (Are preparations good/ready?), they aren't just asking if you have your pen; they are asking if you are fully briefed and ready for the task at hand. In sports, coaches will shout 'Junbi shite!' to tell players to get into their starting positions or to start their warm-ups. It's a call to action that requires both physical movement and mental focus.

Television and Media

On cooking shows, the host will often say 'Junbi shite oita mono ga kochira desu' (Here is the one I prepared earlier).

In educational settings, junbi is used for everything from preparing for entrance exams (juken no junbi) to preparing for a school play. You will also see it on websites and apps; for example, a loading screen might say 'Data wo junbi shite imasu' (Preparing data). Because the word is so pervasive, it serves as a bridge between many different social spheres in Japan. Whether you are a tourist, a student, or a business professional, you will find that 'junbi suru' is an indispensable tool in your linguistic kit. It represents the transition from inaction to action, a phase that Japanese culture treats with great reverence and detail.

Disaster Readiness

Government pamphlets often use 'junbi' for disaster preparedness kits (emergency bags).

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 準備する is using it in contexts where 支度する (shitaku suru) or 用意する (yōi suru) would be more natural. While they all mean 'to prepare' in a general sense, their nuances differ. Junbi suru is for systematic, long-term, or organizational preparation. If you are just putting on your shoes and coat to go to the supermarket, using junbi suru sounds a bit too formal or heavy, like you are preparing for an expedition. In that case, shitaku (getting ready) is better.

The 'Suru' Omission

Forgetting that 'junbi' is a noun and needs 'suru' to become a verb.

Another common error is the misuse of particles. Beginners often use で (de) instead of を (wo). While you can say 'kuruma de junbi suru' (to prepare *in* the car), you must say 'kuruma wo junbi suru' if you are getting the car itself ready for a trip. Confusing these leads to significant meaning shifts. Also, learners often struggle with the difference between 'junbi suru' (to prepare something) and 'junbi ga dekiru' (to be ready). If you say 'junbi shimasu,' you are saying 'I will start preparing.' If you want to say 'I'm ready,' you should say 'junbi ga dekimashita.'

Confusing with 'Sonaeru'

'Sonaeru' is for preparing for future contingencies or disasters, not for a scheduled meeting.

Lastly, pay attention to the level of formality. Using the casual 'junbi suru' in a very formal business report might be seen as slightly too colloquial; 'junbi wo susumeru' or 'junbi ni torikakaru' (to set about preparations) might be preferred. However, for A2 and B1 learners, sticking to 'junbi suru' and 'junbi wo shimasu' is generally safe. Just be careful not to use it for 'making' things like coffee or a cake—use 'tsukuru' for creation and 'junbi' for the logistical setup around it. Understanding these boundaries will prevent your Japanese from sounding 'translated' and help it sound more natural.

Overusing 'Junbi' for 'Ready'

In English, 'ready' can be an adjective. In Japanese, 'ready' is often expressed as a verb phrase.

Japanese has several words for 'preparation,' and choosing the right one depends on the context and the 'distance' of the goal. 準備する (junbi suru) is the most general and widely used. However, let's look at the alternatives to see how they differ in nuance and usage. Understanding these comparisons is vital for achieving a higher level of fluency and precision in your speech.

用意する (Yōi suru)

Focuses on getting specific things or tools ready for immediate use. Often used for food or money.

Then we have 支度する (shitaku suru). This word is specifically used for personal preparations, like getting dressed, putting on makeup, or preparing to leave the house. It has a more 'daily life' feel than the professional 'junbi.' You wouldn't use 'shitaku' for preparing a corporate merger. Another important word is 備える (sonaeru). This verb focuses on preparing for potential future events, especially negative ones like disasters or emergencies. It implies a sense of 'equipping' oneself against a threat. For example, 'jishin ni sonaeru' (prepare for an earthquake).

整える (Totonoeru)

Means to put things in order or to tidy up as a form of preparation. Used for physical spaces or mental states.

Finally, in business, you might encounter 段取り (dandori) and 下準備 (shitajunbi). Dandori refers to the logistical planning and the order of operations—the 'workflow' of preparation. Shitajunbi is the preliminary work done before the 'real' preparation starts, such as chopping vegetables before cooking a complex meal. By learning these alternatives, you can move away from using junbi suru for everything and start describing your actions with the precision of a native speaker. Each word carries a different weight and social expectation, and choosing correctly shows your respect for the context.

手配する (Tehai suru)

Specifically used for making arrangements, like booking a hotel or ordering a taxi.