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March 24, 2026
准备(準備)zhǔnbèi(zhun3bei4)
准备 (zhǔnbèi) means 'to prepare' or 'preparation.' It is commonly used when discussing plans, intentions, or the act of getting ready for an event or task. This verb can also imply setting aside resources or making arrangements for future actions.
Frequency#187DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, preparation is highly valued, often reflecting a person's seriousness and respect for others. For example, during festivals like the Spring Festival, families engage in extensive preparations to ensure everything is perfect for the celebrations.
Memory Tip
Think of '准备' as a 'zoo' where you 'be' ready. The character '准' resembles a target, indicating precision in preparation, while '备' suggests having all necessary items ready, like packing for a zoo trip.
Meanings of 准备
zhǔnbèi(zhun3bei4)
1preparation
2to prepare
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About 准备
准备Simplified
準備Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#187Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 准备
Podcast: 准备
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AI Study Notes for 准备
Quick Contrast
准备 (zhǔnbèi) vs 预备 (yùbèi) — use 准备 for general preparation, while 预备 often implies a more formal or systematic readiness.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '准备' as a 'zoo' where you 'be' ready. The character '准' resembles a target, indicating precision in preparation, while '备' suggests having all necessary items ready, like packing for a zoo trip.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse '准备' with similar verbs like '打算' (dǎsuàn), which means 'to plan.' Remember that '准备' emphasizes the act of preparing rather than mere intention. It's often used in both formal and informal contexts, so pay attention to the situation when using it.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, '准备' connects well with other action verbs like '学习' (xuéxí - to study) and '工作' (gōngzuò - to work). Students should focus on using it in sentences related to daily activities or future plans to reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, preparation is highly valued, often reflecting a person's seriousness and respect for others. For example, during festivals like the Spring Festival, families engage in extensive preparations to ensure everything is perfect for the celebrations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use the correct measure words or phrases with '准备.' For instance, saying '我准备一个饭' (Wǒ zhǔnbèi yīgè fàn) is incorrect; it should be '我准备饭' (Wǒ zhǔnbèi fàn) to mean 'I am preparing food.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 准备
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Grammar Patterns of 准备
准备 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
wǒ bǎ zhǔn bèi de dōng xī wàng le gè yī gān èr jìng。
I clean forgot everything I had prepared.
8
在佛罗里达州，农民正摆好架势，准备和城市争夺地下水的使用权。
zài fó luó lǐ dá zhōu， ， nóng mín zhèng bǎi hǎo jià， shì ， zhǔn bèi hé chéng shì zhēng duó dì xià shuǐ de shǐ。
In Florida, farmers are squaring off against cities for rights to groundwater.
9
他们搭好帐篷，准备过夜。
tā mén dā hǎo zhàng péng， ， zhǔn bèi guò。
They put up their tents and settled down for the night.
10
在埃及，两个新的营地已经准备好收留难民了。
zài āi jí， ， liǎng gè xīn de yíng dì yǐ jīng zhǔn bèi hǎo shōu liú nán mín。
In Egypt, two new camps were readied for the absorption of refugees.
Cultural Notes for 准备
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, preparation is highly valued, often reflecting a person's seriousness and respect for others. For example, during festivals like the Spring Festival, families engage in extensive preparations to ensure everything is perfect for the celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions about 准备
'准备' can be used in sentences like, '我准备去旅行' (Wǒ zhǔnbèi qù lǚxíng) meaning 'I am preparing to travel.'
Yes, you can say '我准备好了' (Wǒ zhǔnbèi hǎole) meaning 'I have prepared.'
'准备' is more commonly used for personal preparation, while '预备' (yùbèi) often refers to preparation in a formal or educational context.
