Definition
Preparation; getting ready for something. Often used as 準備する (to prepare).
Example
旅行の前に荷物の準備をした。
Show translation
I prepared my luggage before the trip.
Etymology
From Sino-Japanese: 準 (jun) meaning "conform to / standard" + 備 (bi) meaning "prepare / equip." The compound entered Japanese via classical Chinese, where it described readying supplies or troops for action.
Cultural note
準備 appears constantly in Japanese school and work life — students hear 準備はいいですか？ ("Are you ready?") before every lesson, and employees 準備する before meetings or presentations. The strong cultural value placed on anticipation (備え, *sonae*) means being well-prepared is considered a basic social virtue, not just a practical habit.