Japanese word

予備

Pronunciation

Romajiyobi

Meaning

  • nounspare

Example

この電池は予備です。ko no den chi wa yo bi de su

This battery is a spare.

Illustration for 予備 (spare)

More examples

旅行には、予備の電池を持っていきます。ryo kō ni wa yo bi no den chi o mo tte i ki ma su

I take spare batteries on trips.

Core concept

Refers to an extra item prepared beforehand to take the place of the usual one if necessary.

Common phrases

  • 予備の電池yo bi no den chi

    spare battery

  • 予備の鍵yo bi no kagi

    spare key

  • 予備を持つyo bi o mo tsu

    keep a spare

Similar words

スペアsupea: An extra item kept for use when the usual one is lost, damaged, or unusable.
替えkae: A replacement item prepared for use when another item is no longer available.
控えhikae: A reserve item held ready for a possible future need.

Definition in Japanese

本来のものが使えないときに用いるため、前もって用意しておくもの。hon rai no mo no ga tsuka e na i to ki ni mochi i ru ta me mae mo tte yō i shi te o ku mo no

Word origin

予備 (yobi) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 予 (yo, "in advance") and 備 (bi, "prepare"), so its form conveys preparation for later need.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 予備知識 (yobichishiki) means background knowledge prepared before learning or discussing a topic.

Other meanings

  • reservenoun
  • backupnoun

Related words

  • 予備的yobitekipreliminaryna-adjective

Word lists with this word