Translation guide
The English phrase 'be ready' covers a range of states from immediate preparedness to general willingness. In Japanese, the best expression depends on whether you mean physically prepared, mentally resolved, or having finished preparations.
The speaker is ready to go, start, or respond right now.
Standard way to say you are ready, emphasizing that preparations are complete.
もう準備ができています。
I'm ready now.
出発の準備はできていますか？
Are you ready to leave?
Similar to 準備, but often implies things are laid out or arranged for a specific purpose.
書類の用意ができました。
The documents are ready.
Casual way to say 'I'm ready whenever' or 'anytime is fine'.
いつでもいいよ。行こう。
I'm ready whenever. Let's go.
The speaker is mentally prepared or enthusiastic about doing something.
Implies mental readiness, often for something difficult or challenging.
彼は結果を受け入れる覚悟ができている。
He is ready to accept the consequences.
Means 'ready and willing' in a positive sense, often used in offers.
喜んでお手伝いします。
I'm ready to help. (lit. I'll gladly help.)
Very casual, means 'full of motivation' or 'raring to go'.
今日はやる気満々だ！
I'm ready to go today!
The speaker has completed preparations for an event or task.
Indicates that preparations are fully in place, often used in formal or written contexts.
会場の準備が整いました。
The venue is ready.
Casual version of 用意ができている, often used when you've just finished getting things ready.
ご飯の用意ができたよ。
Dinner's ready!
The speaker is prepared to go out or start a journey.
Specifically for being ready to go out.
もう出かける準備ができている？
Are you ready to go out yet?
Casual way to ask if someone is ready to go.
行く準備はいい？遅れるよ。
Ready to go? We'll be late.
準備 (junbi) focuses on the process of preparing, while 用意 (yōi) emphasizes the state of having things ready for use. In many cases they are interchangeable, but 用意 is more about tangible arrangements.
旅行の準備をする。
Prepare for a trip (process).
書類の用意ができた。
The documents are ready (arranged).
English uses 'ready' in many idiomatic ways (e.g., 'ready money', 'ready wit') that do not translate directly. Stick to the core meanings of preparedness and willingness.