Meaning
The kanji 備 (bi, sonaeru, sonawaru) is a versatile character with core meanings related to preparing, providing, and equipping. Essentially, it signifies making things ready or ensuring they are in a state of readiness. Its historical origin offers a clear understanding of its meaning.
The character is composed of two main parts: on the left, the radical 人 (にんべん - person), representing a human being. On the right, the component 𤰇 was originally a pictograph depicting a quiver, a container for arrows. Thus, the original form of 備 showed a person holding or preparing a quiver full of arrows. This visual immediately evokes the idea of preparing for battle or hunting, ensuring one has all the necessary tools at hand.
Over time, this specific military context broadened into the general concept of 'preparation' or 'provision' for any future event. Having a quiver full of arrows also suggested a state of completeness, leading to meanings like 'well-equipped' or 'possessing everything necessary'. Therefore, 備 conveys the crucial ideas of foresight and readiness, whether preparing for an exam, equipping a facility, or making provisions for an emergency. This kanji is a Grade 5 kanji, taught in elementary school, and consists of 12 strokes.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 備 is ビ (BI). This reading is frequently encountered in compound words that have a more formal or abstract nuance, often relating to preparation, facilities, or precautions. This reading strongly connects to the kanji's historical military and strategic readiness, yet it also extends to broader concepts of equipment and provision.
- 準備 (junbi) — preparation; arrangements. This is one of the most common compounds, meaning to make ready for something.
- 設備 (setsubi) — equipment; facilities; installation. Refers to the apparatus or infrastructure put in place.
- 予備 (yobi) — reserve; spare; preliminary. Denotes something kept in reserve or as a backup.
- 備考 (bikou) — remarks; notes; N.B. Used to provide additional information or points to remember.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi readings for 備 are そな.える (sona.eru) and そな.わる (sona.waru). These readings are typically used when the kanji is part of a Japanese verb, often followed by okurigana (hiragana endings). そなえる (sonaeru) is a transitive verb meaning 'to prepare,' 'to provide for,' or 'to equip.' It describes the action of someone actively making arrangements or furnishing something.
On the other hand, そなわる (sonawaru) is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be equipped with,' 'to be endowed with,' or 'to be furnished with.' It describes a state where something already possesses certain qualities or equipment.
- 備える (sonaeru) — to prepare; to provide for; to equip. Example: 災害に備える (saigai ni sonaeru) — to prepare for disasters.
- 備わる (sonawaru) — to be equipped with; to be endowed with; to be furnished with. Example: 彼には才能が備わっている (kare ni wa sainō ga sonawatteiru) — He is endowed with talent.
Common Words & Compounds
Below are various words and compounds using 備, grouped by their thematic focus:
Preparation & Readiness
- 準備 (junbi) — preparation; arrangements; getting ready.
- 予備 (yobi) — reserve; spare; preliminary; contingency.
- 常備 (joubi) — regular provision; keeping in stock; always prepared.
- 備蓄 (bichiku) — stockpile; emergency reserves; storing up.
- 完備 (kanbi) — fully equipped; perfect equipment; completeness.
Equipment & Facilities
- 設備 (setsubi) — equipment; facilities; installation; apparatus.
- 装備 (soubi) — equipment; outfitting; furnishing.
- 備品 (bihin) — fixtures; articles; equipment (usually smaller items in an office/home).
- 備えけ (sonaetsuke no) — built-in; furnished (as in built-in furniture or appliances).
Defense & Safety
- 守備 (shubi) — defense; guardianship; fielding (in sports).
- 警備 (keibi) — security; defense; guard.
- 配備 (haibi) — deployment; disposition; stationing.
Example Sentences
テストのために、夜遅くまで勉強の準備をしました。
Tesuto no tame ni, yoru osoku made benkyou no junbi o shimashita.
I prepared for the test by studying late into the night.
旅行の前に、すべてを備えることが大切です。
Ryokou no mae ni, subete o sonaeru koto ga taisetsu desu.
It is important to prepare everything before a trip.
このホテルは必要な設備が完備されています。
Kono hoteru wa hitsuyou na setsubi ga kanbi sareteimasu.
This hotel is fully equipped with necessary facilities.
非常時に備えて、水と食料を備蓄しています。
Hijouji ni sonaete, mizu to shokuryou o bichiku shiteimasu.
We are stockpiling water and food in preparation for emergencies.
彼は優れた才能を備えているので、将来が楽しみです。
Kare wa sugureta sainou o sonaeteiru node, shourai ga tanoshimi desu.
He is endowed with excellent talent, so I look forward to his future.
工場には最新の機械が備わっている。
Koujou ni wa saishin no kikai ga sonawatteiru.
The factory is equipped with the latest machinery.
災害に備えて、防災グッズを常備しておくべきです。
Saigai ni sonaete, bousai guzzu o joubi shiteokubeki desu.
You should always keep disaster prevention goods on hand in preparation for disasters.
警察官は銃を装備して任務に備える。
Keisatsukan wa juu o soubi shite ninmu ni sonaeru.
Police officers equip themselves with guns to prepare for their duties.
Memory Tip
To remember 備, think of a 'person' (人) who is always 'ready' with their 'equipment' (the right side, originally a quiver for arrows). Imagine a person meticulously preparing for a journey or a task, making sure they have all their tools and provisions. The person radical (人) on the left depicts a standing person, while the right side suggests 'things to be used' or 'tools'. This visual connection reinforces the core meaning of readiness and provision.
Another way to remember the right side is to break it down into grass (艹), cliff (厂), and use (用). Although graphically corrupted from its original form, you could imagine a person on a cliff using grass to prepare for a survival situation, emphasizing the preparation aspect.