Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "準備する", "用意する", "整える", "備える"
All represent the core concept "prepare", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
準備する
じゅんびする (junbi suru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
用意する
よういする (yōi suru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
整える
ととのえる (totonoeru)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
備える
そなえる (sonaeru)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "prepare" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "準備する", "用意する", "整える", "備える" based on context.
- 準備する (じゅんびする (junbi suru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to prepare" and is used when Used for preparing for an event, a trip, a meeting, etc. It's a noun + する verb..
- 用意する (よういする (yōi suru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to prepare, to get ready" and is used when Used for preparing things, meals, materials, or getting oneself ready for an event or task. Similar to 準備する.
- 整える (ととのえる (totonoeru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to prepare, to arrange, to adjust, to put in order" and is used when To make something ready, orderly, or suitable. Can be used for physical arrangements.
- 備える (そなえる (sonaeru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to prepare for, to provide for, to equip with, to furnish with" and is used when Used for preparing for potential future events.
Context for "準備する"
旅行の準備をしています。
I am preparing for a trip.
Context for "用意する"
明日の会議のために、資料を用意しておきましょう。
Let's prepare the materials for tomorrow's meeting.
Context for "整える"
出かける前に身だしなみを整える。
To tidy oneself up before going out.
Context for "備える"
地震に備えて、非常食を準備している。
We are preparing emergency food in case of an earthquake.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "旅行の準備をしています。" (Meaning: "I am preparing for a trip.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "準備する" is correct here because it represents "to prepare" in the context: "I am preparing for a trip.".