Definition
The act of getting ready for something; preparation before an event or task.
Example
시험 준비를 열심히 했어요.
Show translation
I prepared hard for the exam.
Etymology
From Sino-Korean 準備 (준비): 準 (준, *jun*) meaning "to align, to conform to a standard" + 備 (비, *bi*) meaning "to equip, to provide for." The compound entered Korean via Classical Chinese and has been in common use since the Joseon era.
Cultural note
준비 carries a strong cultural weight in Korean society, where thorough preparation (준비성) is considered a virtue — whether for a school exam, a job interview, or a family gathering. The verb form 준비하다 (to prepare) and the phrase 준비됐어요? ("Are you ready?") are heard constantly in everyday speech. Note that 준비 is NOT a false friend for English "zombie" — despite the similar sound, it has no connection.