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B2 noun #3,500 most common 8 min read

整備

seibi Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 整備 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 整備 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'seibi' (整備) yourself very often, but you might see it on signs. Think of it simply as 'maintenance' for big things like cars or trains. In Japan, you might see it at a car repair shop (整備工場). Just remember that it means someone is 'taking care of machines' to make sure they are safe. It is a more formal word than 'fixing.' If you see this word, it usually means something is being made ready or kept in good condition by a professional. You can associate it with the image of a mechanic in overalls working on a car engine. It's about 'keeping things working' correctly.

At the A2 level, you can start to recognize 'seibi' in common compound words. The most important one is 'seibi-shi' (整備士), which means a mechanic. You might also hear 'dōro-seibi' (道路整備) on the news, which means road work or road improvement. While you would use 'shūri' (修理) to say 'I fixed my bike,' you would use 'seibi' to describe the professional maintenance of a car or a public facility. It’s a useful word for understanding announcements at train stations or airports where they might mention 'sharyō-seibi' (vehicle maintenance). It implies a systematic check-up rather than just a quick fix.

By B1, you should understand that 'seibi' (整備) is not just for machines, but also for 'systems' and 'environments.' In an office, 'kankyō-seibi' (環境整備) means organizing the workplace to make it easier to work. This is a common part of Japanese corporate culture. You should also be able to use 'seibi suru' as a verb to describe putting something into good order. For example, if you are setting up a new filing system or preparing a set of rules for a club, 'seibi' is a great word to use. It sounds more professional than 'junbi' (preparation) because it suggests you are building a lasting structure or framework.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'seibi' (整備) in professional and academic contexts. You should understand nuances like 'hō-seibi' (法整備), which refers to the establishment or consolidation of legal frameworks. This level requires you to distinguish 'seibi' from similar words like 'seiri' (organization) and 'chōsei' (adjustment). You will encounter 'seibi' frequently in newspaper articles about government policy, urban planning, and corporate strategy. It describes the proactive act of creating the necessary conditions for something to function effectively. For example, 'taisei o seibi suru' means to establish a solid organizational structure within a company to handle a new project.

At the C1 level, you should be sensitive to the strategic and socio-political connotations of 'seibi' (整備). It is often used in high-level discussions about 'social infrastructure' (社会基盤の整備). At this level, you can use the word to describe the delicate process of aligning various components—legal, physical, and human—into a functional whole. You might discuss the 'seibi' of international standards or the 'seibi' of educational systems. It implies a high degree of complexity and a long-term vision. You should also be able to use it in nuanced expressions like 'seibi no iki-todoita' (well-maintained/thoroughly prepared) to describe the quality of a service or facility.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'seibi' (整備) and can use it to articulate complex ideas about systemic integrity and societal development. You understand its role in historical contexts, such as the 'seibi' of the Japanese rail network during the Meiji era, and its modern applications in digital governance and AI ethics frameworks. You can use it metaphorically or in highly specialized technical fields. You recognize the cultural weight it carries regarding the Japanese value of 'preparatory perfection.' Your use of 'seibi' reflects an understanding that true progress requires not just innovation, but the systematic consolidation and maintenance of the foundations upon which innovation is built.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

整備 in 30 Seconds

整備 (Seibi) means maintenance or systematic preparation.
Commonly used for car maintenance (整備士 - mechanic).
Also used for infrastructure (roads, parks) and systems (laws).
Focuses on ensuring something is functional and ready for use.

The Japanese word 整備 (せいび - Seibi) is a multifaceted noun that translates to maintenance, consolidation, establishment, or putting something into good working order. At its core, it combines two powerful kanji: 整 (sei), meaning to arrange or put in order, and 備 (bi), meaning to provide or prepare. Unlike simple cleaning or fixing, 整備 implies a systematic approach to ensuring that an object, a system, or even a legal framework is fully functional, safe, and ready for its intended purpose. It is a word that bridges the gap between the physical world of machinery and the abstract world of societal structures.

Mechanical Maintenance: The most common daily use involves cars, airplanes, or bicycles. When a mechanic works on a vehicle, they are performing 整備. It's not just fixing a broken part (which would be 修理 - shūri), but the holistic process of checking, tuning, and maintaining.

Infrastructure and Development: In urban planning, you will hear terms like 道路整備 (dōro seibi - road development). This refers to the systematic construction and improvement of road networks to ensure they meet the needs of the population.

この車は定期的に整備されているので、非常に状態が良いです。 (This car is regularly maintained, so it is in excellent condition.)

Furthermore, 整備 is used in the context of creating systems or environments. For example, 法整備 (hō-seibi) refers to the establishment of a legal framework or the consolidation of laws. Similarly, 環境整備 (kankyō-seibi) is often used in corporate settings to describe the act of organizing the workplace to improve efficiency and safety. It suggests a proactive stance—not waiting for something to fail, but actively preparing it to succeed. This nuance of 'preparation for future use' is what distinguishes it from mere organization (整理 - seiri).

新しい法律の整備が急がれている。 (The establishment of a new legal framework is being urged.)

In a professional Japanese environment, you will encounter this word frequently in reports and meetings. Whether it is IT 整備 (setting up IT infrastructure) or 人材育成の環境整備 (creating an environment for human resource development), the word signals a high level of professionalism and long-term planning. It reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on 'monozukuri' (craftsmanship) and 'omotenashi' (hospitality), where the background preparation is just as important as the final product or service. By using 整備, you communicate that you are not just doing a task, but building a foundation for sustainable operation.

Using 整備 correctly requires understanding its role as a 'suru-verb' (整備する) and its frequent appearance in compound nouns. It is most often used in formal or technical contexts, but it is by no means exclusive to them. Here is a breakdown of how to integrate it into your Japanese vocabulary effectively.

As a Direct Object: When you are the one doing the maintenance or preparation, use the particle 'o' (を). For example: 船を整備する (To maintain a ship). This highlights the action being performed on a specific object.

彼は毎日、自分の自転車を完璧に整備している。 (He maintains his own bicycle perfectly every day.)

Another common pattern is the 'no' (の) construction to describe the state or the process of maintenance. 整備の行き届いた公園 (A well-maintained park) uses the adjective-like phrase 'iki-todoita' to show that the maintenance has reached every corner. This is a very common way to describe public spaces or high-end facilities in Japan.

Compound Nouns (N+整備): 整備 is incredibly versatile in compounds. 道路整備 (road), 環境整備 (environment), 法整備 (legal), 設備整備 (facility maintenance). In these cases, 整備 functions as the core action applied to the preceding noun.

通信網の整備により、地方でも高速インターネットが利用可能になった。 (Due to the development of the communication network, high-speed internet has become available even in rural areas.)

In business Japanese, you might say 'Taisei o seibi suru' (体制を整備する), which means to 'set up a system' or 'organize the structure' of a team or project. This is a sophisticated way to say you are getting organized and preparing for a new challenge. It implies that the structure is being built carefully and with purpose, rather than just being thrown together. If you use this in an interview or a business proposal, it shows you value order and preparation.

プロジェクトを始める前に、まずは社内の体制を整備する必要がある。 (Before starting the project, we first need to organize the internal structure.)

If you live in Japan or consume Japanese media, 整備 is everywhere. It is a 'high-frequency' word in specific domains. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize it instantly.

Automotive and Transport: The person who fixes your car is called a 整備士 (seibi-shi - mechanic). Signs for 整備工場 (seibi-kōjō - maintenance shop) are common along roadsides. On trains, you might hear announcements about 'sharyō-seibi' (vehicle maintenance) causing a slight delay.

航空機の安全を確保するためには、入念な整備が欠かせない。 (Careful maintenance is essential to ensure aircraft safety.)

In the news, you will frequently hear about 道路の整備 (road maintenance/construction) or 公園の整備 (park development). When the government discusses 'kokudo-seibi' (national land development), they are talking about large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at improving the country's resilience and economic efficiency. It sounds official, reliable, and progressive.

Corporate and Office Life: In Japanese offices, 'Kankyō-seibi' is a common slogan. It refers to keeping the office clean, organized, and efficient. Some companies have a dedicated 'Kankyō-seibi Time' where everyone stops working to organize their desks and shared spaces. This isn't just cleaning; it's seen as a way to sharpen the mind and improve work quality.

わが社では、社員が働きやすいように福利厚生の整備を進めています。 (Our company is working on improving the employee benefits system to make it easier for employees to work.)

Finally, in the digital world, you'll see 'System Seibi' (システム整備) or 'Server Seibi' (サーバー整備). When a website goes down for maintenance, they might use the word メンテナンス (mentenansu), but in internal reports, they will use 整備 to describe the systematic upgrades and checks being performed. It covers everything from hardware replacement to software patching.

情報セキュリティ体制の整備は、現代の企業にとって最優先事項だ。 (Establishing an information security system is a top priority for modern companies.)

While 整備 is a versatile word, English speakers often confuse it with other Japanese words for 'fixing' or 'organizing.' Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

Mistake 1: Confusing 整備 with 修理 (Shūri): 修理 means 'to repair' something that is broken. 整備 means 'to maintain' or 'to prepare.' If your phone screen is cracked, you need 修理. If you are updating your phone's software and cleaning the port to keep it running well, that is 整備. Using 整備 when something is physically broken and needs a specific fix can sound slightly off.

❌ 壊れた時計を整備する。
✅ 壊れた時計を修理する。

Mistake 2: Using it for simple tidying. English speakers might translate 'organize' as 整備, but if you are just putting your clothes away or tidying your room, the correct word is 整理 (seiri) or 片付け (katazuke). 整備 implies a more professional or systemic organization. You wouldn't 'seibi' your bookshelf unless you were setting up a complex categorization system for a public archive.

Mistake 3: Overlooking the 'System' aspect: Sometimes learners forget that 整備 can apply to abstract things like laws or rules. If you say you are 'making' a law (法律を作る - hōritsu o tsukuru), it’s okay, but using 'hō-seibi' (法整備) sounds much more professional and suggests that the law is being integrated into the existing system properly.

❌ 部屋を整備してきれいにした。
✅ 部屋を整理してきれいにした。

Finally, avoid using 整備 for personal 'preparation' in the sense of getting ready for a party or a trip. For those situations, use 準備 (junbi) or 用意 (yōi). 整備 is for things that require 'maintenance' or 'systematization,' not just the act of getting ready.

To truly master 整備, you need to know its 'neighbor' words and when to choose one over the other. The Japanese language has many words for 'order' and 'preparation,' each with a specific flavor.

整備 (Seibi) vs. メンテナンス (Mentenansu): These are very close. メンテナンス is the loanword for 'maintenance.' While 整備 is used for cars and infrastructure, メンテナンス is more common for computers, skin care, or general 'upkeep' of a lifestyle. 整備 feels more industrial or official.

整備 (Seibi) vs. 整理 (Seiri): 整理 means to organize or discard things you don't need. 整備 is to put things in a state where they function perfectly. You 'seiri' your files (delete old ones), but you 'seibi' your server (ensure it handles traffic).

「整理」は不要なものを捨てること。「整備」は使える状態に整えること。 (Seiri is discarding unnecessary things. Seibi is preparing things to be in a usable state.)

Another important alternative is 調整 (chōsei), which means 'adjustment' or 'coordination.' Use 調整 when you are fine-tuning something, like a schedule or a musical instrument. Use 整備 when you are doing a full-scale maintenance or setup.

Comparison Table

Word	Focus
整備	Functionality & Infrastructure
修理	Fixing broken parts
準備	Getting ready for an event
整理	Tidying/Sorting

Lastly, 構築 (kōchiku) means 'construction' or 'building up,' especially for systems or relationships. While 整備 focuses on 'maintaining/preparing' an existing or planned system, 構築 focuses on the 'building' phase from scratch. If you are starting a new network from zero, it's 構築. If you are making sure that network is reliable and well-structured, it's 整備.

ダムの建設と周辺道路の整備が同時に行われた。 (The construction of the dam and the development of the surrounding roads were carried out simultaneously.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 備 (Bi) is also used in 'Son備' (Zombie - phonetic) in some old texts, but its real meaning is 'provision'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /seɪbi/

US /seɪbi/

Flat pitch accent (Heiban). 'Se-i-bi' are pronounced with relatively equal stress.

Rhymes With

Keibi (Security) Teibi (The end/tail) Meibi (Beautiful scenery) Heibi (Armament) Reibi (Cold rain) Seiri (Organization - near rhyme) Keiri (Accounting - near rhyme) Meiri (Clearness - near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'sei' as 'sigh'. It should be 'say'.
Shortening the 'ei' sound. It is a long vowel: Se-e-bi.
Confusing the pitch with 'seibi' (which doesn't have many homophones, but pitch matters for clarity).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but require N3+ level knowledge.

Writing 4/5

Kanji for 'sei' is stroke-heavy (16 strokes).

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce 'suru' verb.

Listening 2/5

Clear, distinct sounds.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

準備整理修理機械道路

Learn Next

保守構築運営管理改善

Advanced

基盤整備抜本的整合性常時雇用法令遵守

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

整備する (to maintain)

Noun + No + Noun

道路の整備 (road maintenance)

Passive Voice

整備されている (is being maintained)

Compound Nouns

整備士 (mechanic)

Te-form for sequence

整備して、使う (maintain then use)

Examples by Level

くるまをせいびします。

I maintain the car.

Simple object + particle 'o' + seibi shimasu.

ここはせいびこうじょうです。

This is a maintenance shop.

Compound noun: seibi + kōjō (factory).

でんしゃのせいびをします。

They do train maintenance.

Noun + 'no' + seibi.

じてんしゃをせいびしてください。

Please maintain the bicycle.

Request form: ~te kudasai.

せいびしはどこですか？

Where is the mechanic?

Seibi-shi means mechanic.

このみちはせいびされています。

This road is maintained.

Passive form: seibi sarete imasu.

こうえんをせいびしましょう。

Let's fix up the park.

Volitional form: ~mashō.

せいびはたいせつです。

Maintenance is important.

Subject marker 'wa' with an adjective.

彼は車の整備士です。

He is a car mechanic.

Using the specific title 'seibi-shi'.

この道路はきれいに整備されている。

This road is beautifully maintained.

Adverbial 'kirei ni' + passive 'seibi sarete iru'.

週末に自転車を整備した。

I maintained my bicycle over the weekend.

Past tense 'shita'.

公園の整備には時間がかかる。

Maintaining the park takes time.

Noun phrase as a subject.

整備工場で点検してもらう。

I'll have it checked at the maintenance shop.

Compound noun + 'de' (at/in).

船の整備はとても大変だ。

Maintaining a ship is very hard.

Noun + 'wa' + adjective.

安全のために整備を忘れないで。

Don't forget maintenance for safety.

Negative request: ~naide.

新しい設備を整備する予定です。

We plan to set up new equipment.

Noun + 'yotei desu' (plan to).

会社の作業環境を整備しました。

We improved the work environment at the company.

Abstract use: environment maintenance.

この地域は道路整備が進んでいる。

Road development is progressing in this area.

Subject + 'ga susunde iru' (is progressing).

機材の整備を怠ると事故につながる。

Neglecting equipment maintenance leads to accidents.

Conditional 'to' (if/when).

法律を整備して、新しいビジネスを支える。

We will establish laws to support new businesses.

Seibi meaning 'legal establishment'.

このアパートは管理と整備が行き届いている。

This apartment is well-managed and maintained.

Compound phrase 'iki-todoite iru'.

パソコンの環境を整備して効率を上げる。

Set up your PC environment to increase efficiency.

Te-form to show purpose/sequence.

政府はネット環境の整備を急いでいる。

The government is rushing the development of the internet environment.

Direct object of the verb 'isogu' (rush).

定期的な整備が機械の寿命を延ばす。

Regular maintenance extends the life of the machine.

Subject phrase + object + verb.

災害に備えて、避難経路を整備しておくべきだ。

We should prepare evacuation routes in case of disaster.

V-te oku (do in advance) + beki da (should).

その国はインフラの整備が遅れている。

That country is lagging in infrastructure development.

Subject 'ga' + 'okurete iru' (is delayed/lagging).

テレワークのための社内規定を整備した。

We established internal regulations for teleworking.

Establishing a system/rule.

中古車を買うときは、整備記録を確認しましょう。

When buying a used car, let's check the maintenance records.

Seibi-kiroku (maintenance record).

新しいプロジェクトの受け入れ体制を整備する。

We will set up a structure to take on the new project.

Taisei o seibi suru (set up a system/structure).

都市整備計画が住民の反対で中断された。

The urban development plan was suspended due to residents' opposition.

Passive voice 'shudan sareta'.

彼は整備工としての腕が非常に良い。

He is a very skilled maintenance worker.

Seibi-kō (maintenance worker).

データのバックアップ体制を整備する必要がある。

It is necessary to establish a data backup system.

Hitsuyō ga aru (there is a need).

法整備が技術の進歩に追いついていない。

Legal framework establishment is not catching up with technological progress.

Abstract social concept.

知的財産権の保護に向けた環境整備が急務だ。

Establishing an environment for protecting intellectual property rights is an urgent task.

N + ni muketa (towards) + N.

この論文は、中世の交通網の整備について論じている。

This paper discusses the development of transport networks in the Middle Ages.

Academic context.

適切な人員配置と環境整備が生産性向上の鍵となる。

Proper personnel allocation and environment preparation are key to improving productivity.

Complex subject with 'to'.

行政は迅速な復興に向けて、生活基盤の整備を優先した。

The administration prioritized the establishment of life infrastructure for rapid recovery.

Seikatsu kiban (life infrastructure).

グローバルな基準に合わせた社内体制の整備が求められている。

The establishment of an internal system aligned with global standards is being demanded.

Passive 'motomerarete iru'.

高度な専門知識を持つ整備士の育成が業界の課題だ。

Training mechanics with advanced expertise is a challenge for the industry.

Complex noun modification.

森林整備を通じて、土砂災害の防止を図る。

Through forest maintenance, we aim to prevent sediment-related disasters.

N + o tsūjite (through).

国家の根幹を成す法体系の抜本的な整備が断行された。

A fundamental consolidation of the legal system forming the foundation of the nation was carried out.

High-level formal vocabulary (bakponteki, dankō).

次世代通信規格の普及には、基地局の整備が不可欠である。

For the spread of next-generation communication standards, the establishment of base stations is indispensable.

Formal 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).

持続可能な社会の実現には、循環型経済の基盤整備が待たれる。

The establishment of the foundation for a circular economy is awaited for the realization of a sustainable society.

Kiban-seibi (foundation establishment).

歴史的建造物の保存と、周辺の景観整備を両立させる。

Achieve both the preservation of historical buildings and the maintenance of the surrounding landscape.

Ryōritsu saseru (make compatible).

サイバー空間における規範の整備は、国際社会の共通課題だ。

The establishment of norms in cyberspace is a common challenge for the international community.

Metaphorical/Digital space context.

物流網の整備が、地方経済の活性化に大きく寄与した。

The development of logistics networks contributed significantly to the revitalization of local economies.

Kiyo shita (contributed).

労働法制の整備により、多様な働き方が可能になった。

The consolidation of labor legislation has made diverse working styles possible.

Abstract systemic change.

宇宙開発における国際的な法的枠組みの整備が急務となっている。

The establishment of an international legal framework for space development has become an urgent task.

Hōteki wakugumi (legal framework).

Synonyms

準備調整メンテナンス構築

Antonyms

放置破壊

Common Collocations

環境整備

道路整備

法整備

整備士

整備工場

体制整備

インフラ整備

定期整備

機材整備

公園整備

Common Phrases

整備が行き届く

— To be well-maintained and cared for in every detail.

整備の行き届いた庭園。

整備を怠る

— To neglect maintenance.

整備を怠ったために事故が起きた。

受け入れ体制を整備する

— To prepare a system or structure to welcome someone or something.

留学生の受け入れ体制を整備する。

基盤を整備する

— To establish or strengthen a foundation.

経済発展の基盤を整備する。

一斉整備

— Simultaneous maintenance of many things.

全車両の一斉整備を行う。

整備不良

— Poor maintenance (often a legal term for vehicles).

整備不良の車が取り締まられた。

情報整備

— Organizing and preparing information for use.

データベースの情報整備を進める。

雇用環境の整備

— Improving the employment environment.

子育て世代のために雇用環境の整備を行う。

通信網の整備

— Development of communication networks.

5G通信網の整備が加速している。

安全整備

— Safety maintenance or preparation.

工場の安全整備を強化する。

Often Confused With

整備 vs 修理 (Shūri)

Shūri is for fixing broken things; Seibi is for maintenance.

整備 vs 整理 (Seiri)

Seiri is for tidying/sorting; Seibi is for systemic preparation.

整備 vs 準備 (Junbi)

Junbi is general preparation; Seibi is technical or systemic.

Idioms & Expressions

"足場を整備する"

— To secure one's footing or prepare a solid base for future action.

新規事業の足場を整備する。

Business/Metaphorical

"道を整備する"

— Literally to pave a road, but also to clear the way for others to follow.

後進のために道を整備する。

Metaphorical

"土壌を整備する"

— To prepare the 'soil' (environment) so that something can grow or succeed.

イノベーションが生まれる土壌を整備する。

Metaphorical

"外堀を埋める"

— While not using 'seibi', it's related to preparing the surrounding environment to achieve a goal.

外堀を埋めてから交渉に臨む。

Idiomatic

"万全の整備"

— Flawless maintenance or perfect preparation.

ロケット発射に向けて万全の整備を行う。

Formal

"抜本的整備"

— Drastic/Fundamental reorganization or maintenance.

年金制度の抜本的整備が必要だ。

Political

"環境を整える"

— A common alternative to kankyō-seibi, meaning to set the stage.

勉強に集中できる環境を整える。

General

"体制を立て直す"

— To reorganize a failing system (related to seibi).

赤字事業の体制を立て直す。

Business

"制度を整える"

— To establish a system/institution.

評価制度を整える。

Formal

"備えあれば憂いなし"

— If you are prepared, there is no need to worry (shares the kanji 備).

日頃から整備を欠かさない。備えあれば憂いなしだ。

Proverb

Easily Confused

整備 vs 修繕 (Shūzen)

Both involve fixing.

Shūzen is usually for buildings/clothes; Seibi is for machines/systems.

屋根を修繕する vs 車を整備する

整備 vs 保守 (Hoshu)

Both mean maintenance.

Hoshu is 'preserving' a system to prevent downtime; Seibi is 'preparing/maintaining' for use.

サーバー保守 vs 道路整備

整備 vs 点検 (Tenken)

Both involve checking machines.

Tenken is just the inspection; Seibi is the whole process including tuning.

エレベーターの点検 vs 航空機の整備

整備 vs 構築 (Kōchiku)

Both involve systems.

Kōchiku is building from zero; Seibi is setting up the framework or maintaining it.

システム構築 vs 体制整備

整備 vs 用意 (Yōi)

Both mean preparation.

Yōi is simple preparation (like a meal); Seibi is technical/systemic.

夕食の用意 vs 法整備

Sentence Patterns

N を整備します。

車を整備します。

N は整備されています。

この道は整備されています。

N の整備が必要です。

機械の整備が必要です。

N を整備するために、V。

環境を整備するために、掃除をします。

N の整備が進んでいる。

インフラの整備が進んでいる。

N に向けた法整備が急務だ。

AI利用に向けた法整備が急務だ。

N の整備を怠るべからず。

日々の整備を怠るべからず。

整備の行き届いた N。

整備の行き届いた施設。

Word Family

Nouns

整備士 (Mechanic)

整備工場 (Workshop)

整備記録 (Maintenance log)

整備不良 (Poor maintenance)

Verbs

整備する (To maintain/prepare)

整備される (To be maintained)

Adjectives

整備された (Maintained/Well-ordered)

整理 (Organization)

準備 (Preparation)

設備 (Facilities)

備蓄 (Stockpiling)

整列 (Lining up)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, business, and technical fields.

Common Mistakes

Using seibi for a broken phone screen. → 修理 (shūri)
Seibi is for general maintenance; shūri is for fixing a specific broken part.
Saying 'Heya o seibi suru' for tidying a room. → 整理 (seiri) / 片付け (katazuke)
Seibi is too formal and systemic for a bedroom.
Using seibi for 'getting ready' for a party. → 準備 (junbi) / 用意 (yōi)
Seibi is for technical or structural readiness, not social preparation.
Confusing seibi with seiri (organizing). → 整備 (maintenance) vs 整理 (sorting)
Seiri is about removing clutter; seibi is about ensuring functionality.
Using seibi for 'adjusting' a guitar string. → 調整 (chōsei)
Chōsei is for fine-tuning; seibi is for overall maintenance.

Tips

Car Talk

If you take your car for a 'shaken' (mandatory inspection), the work they do is called 'seibi'.

Sound Professional

Use 'taisei o seibi suru' instead of 'junbi suru' when talking about organizing a team for a project.

Kanji Trick

The first kanji 整 is the same as in 'seiri' (organize). The second 備 is the same as in 'junbi' (prepare).

Infrastructure

When you see road construction in Japan, the signs often say 'douro seibi'.

Preventative

Remember that seibi is proactive. You do it *before* things break.

Law

Always pair 'hō' (law) with 'seibi' to sound like a native speaker discussing policy.

Mechanics

A 'seibi-shi' is a highly respected professional qualification in Japan.

5S

Seibi is closely related to the 5S methodology (Seiri, Seiton, Seisou, Seiketsu, Shitsuke).

N2/N1 Level

This word is a staple of JLPT N2 and N1 reading sections.

Pitch

Keep your voice flat when saying 'seibi'—it's a Heiban (flat) accent word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **SAY**-**BEE** (Seibi). A bee that can talk (SAY) is helping you **maintain** your car and **organize** your garden.

Visual Association

A mechanic in a clean uniform holding a clipboard, checking off a list in front of a shiny car.

Word Web

Car Road Law System Mechanic Safe Order Prepare

Challenge

Try to find 3 things in your room that need 'seibi' (not just cleaning, but systematic fixing or organizing).

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango). It combines 'Sei' (整 - to put in order) and 'Bi' (備 - to provide/prepare).

Original meaning: To put things in order and prepare them for use.

Japonic/Sinitic

Cultural Context

None. It is a very safe, professional word.

English speakers often say 'maintenance' for machines and 'infrastructure development' for roads. Japanese uses 'seibi' for both.

Shinkansen Maintenance (the 7-minute miracle) JASDF (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) maintenance crews Toyota Production System

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Car/Vehicle

車検と整備
整備記録簿
整備士に頼む
エンジン整備

Urban Planning

道路整備計画
公園の整備
インフラの整備
都市再整備

Business/Office

環境整備
マニュアルの整備
社内体制の整備
ITインフラ整備

Legal/Politics

法整備
制度の整備
安全基準の整備
国際規範の整備

IT/Tech

システム整備
サーバーの整備
ネットワーク整備
データ整備

Conversation Starters

"車の整備はどこでしていますか？ (Where do you get your car maintained?)"

"最近、この辺りの道路整備がすごいですね。 (The road development around here is amazing lately, isn't it?)"

"仕事の環境整備で気をつけていることはありますか？ (Is there anything you pay attention to regarding your work environment setup?)"

"自転車の整備、自分でできますか？ (Can you maintain your bicycle yourself?)"

"新しい法律の整備についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the establishment of the new law?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、自分の持ち物を整備したことについて書いてください。 (Write about something of yours that you maintained today.)

あなたの街で、もっと整備が必要な場所はどこですか？ (Where in your city needs more development/maintenance?)

仕事や勉強を効率的にするために、どのような環境整備をしていますか？ (What kind of environment setup do you do to work or study efficiently?)

将来、どのようなインフラ整備が世界に必要だと思いますか？ (What kind of infrastructure development do you think the world needs in the future?)

「整備」と「修理」の違いについて、自分の経験を交えて説明してください。 (Explain the difference between 'seibi' and 'shūri' using your own experience.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. Use 'souji' (cleaning) or 'seiri' (organizing). 'Seibi' sounds too industrial for a bedroom unless you are setting up a complex server rack there.

A 'seibi-shi' is a certified mechanic, most commonly for cars (jidousha seibi-shi).

They are very similar, but 'mentenansu' is a loanword often used for computers or personal upkeep, while 'seibi' sounds more formal and is used for heavy infrastructure.

You can say 'seibi no iki-todoita' (整備の行き届いた) or 'yoku seibi-sareta' (よく整備された).

It is a noun that becomes a verb by adding 'suru' (整備する).

Yes, 'hō-seibi' (法整備) is a very common term for establishing or consolidating laws.

It means 'environmental improvement' and is a common business practice of organizing the workplace to improve efficiency.

Not necessarily. It focuses on the state of being ready and functional, often as a preventative measure.

It means 'improper maintenance,' often used by police when a car has a broken light or bald tires.

Yes, 'system seibi' or 'site seibi' is used, though 'mentenansu' is also very common for users.