Chinese word

准备

Pronunciation

Pinyinzhǔn bèi

Meaning

  • verbget ready

Example

你准备好了吗？nǐ zhǔn bèi hǎo le ma

Are you ready?

Illustration for 准备 (get ready)

More examples

我正在准备晚饭。wǒ zhèng zài zhǔn bèi wǎn fàn

I am preparing dinner.

Core concept

Put the things, people, plans, and thoughts needed for an activity in place before it starts.

Common phrases

  • 准备好zhǔn bèi hǎo

    be ready

  • 准备晚饭zhǔn bèi wǎn fàn

    prepare dinner

  • 准备考试zhǔn bèi kǎo shì

    prepare for an exam

Similar words

要yào: Indicate that carrying out an action is necessary.
开始kāi shǐ: Begin an activity, task, or process.
做好zuò hǎo: Complete work or preparation so it reaches the desired condition.

Definition in Chinese

为了某个活动或任务事前安排所需的物品、人员、计划或心理准备，使活动能按预期进行。wèi le mǒu gè huó dòng huò rèn wù shì qián ān pái suǒ xū de wù pǐn rén yuán jì huà huò xīn lí zhǔn bèi shǐ huó dòng néng àn yù qī jìn xíng

Word origin

The first element carries ideas of readiness and accuracy, while the second means "provide or prepare," forming the sense of arranging needs in advance.

Usage tips

  • The word works with either a thing or an upcoming activity, as in 准备材料 (zhǔnbèi cáiliào, "prepare materials") and 准备考试 (zhǔnbèi kǎoshì, "prepare for an exam").

Other meanings

  • preparationnoun
  • prepare forverb

Word lists with this word