Explore 備 through preparation and equipment. Learn each reading with a complete word and its context.
The idea
備 has 12 strokes; use the linked diagram to practise their order. 備える（そなえる） means to prepare for something with に, or to be equipped with something marked by を. In compounds, 準備（じゅんび）, 設備（せつび） and 予備（よび） use び.
Examples
- 災害に備えて水を用意します。We prepare water for a disaster.
- このホテルはプールを備えています。The hotel has a swimming pool.
- 会議の準備をしました。I prepared for the meeting.
- この教室の設備は新しいです。The equipment in this classroom is new.
- 予備の鍵をかばんに入れています。I keep a spare key in my bag.
- 試験に早めに備えてください。Please prepare for the exam early.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
準備 is the act of getting ready, while 設備 means facilities or equipment. 予備 is a spare; it is not the act of preparing.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 準備 in hiragana.
Show answer or example answer
じゅんび
準備 is じゅんび: it means preparation, as in getting ready for a meeting.
Write the reading of 備える in hiragana.
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そなえる
備える is そなえる. With 試験に it means to prepare for an exam.
Choose the missing kanji: 設＿（せつび）［備／借］.
Show answer or example answer
備
備 completes 設備（せつび）, equipment or facilities, such as those in a classroom.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 準備 in hiragana.
Write the reading of 備える in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: 設＿（せつび）［備／借］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 備 following the diagram. Cover the readings, read 準備 and 備える, then make a sentence about preparing for an exam.