准备 (zhǔnbèi) — to prepare

准备 (zhǔnbèi)

准备 means to prepare or get ready. It is used before a noun (prepare something) or before a verb phrase (prepare to do something / plan to do something).

Meanings

1. [verb] To prepare; to get ready; to make preparations.
2. [verb] To plan to; to intend to (followed by a verb).

Example Sentences

我在准备考试。 Wǒ zài zhǔnbèi kǎoshì. I am preparing for the exam.

你准备好了吗？ Nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma? Are you ready?

妈妈准备做晚饭了。 Māma zhǔnbèi zuò wǎnfàn le. Mom is about to make dinner.

我们准备明天出发。 Wǒmen zhǔnbèi míngtiān chūfā. We plan to set off tomorrow.

Collocations

Memory Hook

准 (accurate/standard) plus 备 (equipped). To prepare is to get your equipment standardized and ready — everything in its place, nothing left to chance.