Translation guide
The English verb 'prepare' covers a range of actions from making something ready in advance to getting oneself mentally or physically ready. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being prepared and the nature of the preparation.
To get something ready for a future event or purpose, often involving planning or arrangement.
The most general and common verb for preparing things, events, or oneself. It implies making arrangements or getting things ready beforehand.
旅行の準備をしています。
I'm preparing for the trip.
Please prepare the materials for the meeting.
Similar to 準備する, but often emphasizes having something ready and available for immediate use. It can feel slightly more concrete or physical.
お客様のために部屋を用意しました。
We prepared a room for the guests.
非常食を用意しておく。
Keep emergency food prepared.
To put something in order, arrange, or adjust it so that it is in a proper state. Often used for appearance, environment, or conditions.
身だしなみを整える。
To prepare one's appearance (groom oneself).
To make food ready to eat, including cooking and arranging.
The most common verb for preparing food, equivalent to 'make' or 'cook'. Used for meals, dishes, and drinks.
夕食を作っています。
I'm preparing dinner.
サラダを作ってくれる？
Can you prepare a salad?
Can be used for food preparation, but often implies a more formal or large-scale preparation, like for a party or event.
パーティーの料理を準備する。
Prepare food for the party.
A technical term for cooking or food preparation, often used in recipes or professional contexts.
材料を調理する。
Prepare the ingredients.
To get oneself ready for something challenging, such as an exam, speech, or competition.
Used reflexively or with 心の準備 (mental preparation) or 体の準備 (physical preparation).
試験のためにしっかり準備した。
I prepared thoroughly for the exam.
心の準備ができていない。
I'm not mentally prepared.
To prepare oneself mentally for something difficult or unpleasant; to be resolved or ready to face a challenge.
最悪の事態を覚悟している。
I'm prepared for the worst.
To brace oneself physically or mentally for an immediate action or impact.
To draft, write, or compile a document, report, or presentation.
Commonly used for creating documents, reports, plans, etc. It emphasizes the act of producing the material.
報告書を作成する。
Prepare a report.
プレゼン資料を作成中です。
I'm preparing presentation materials.
Also used for documents, but often implies gathering and arranging existing materials rather than creating from scratch.
契約書を準備する。
Prepare the contract.
To make arrangements or take precautions for something that will happen.
To prepare for a future event, especially for emergencies, disasters, or difficult times. Often used with に.
地震に備えて水を買っておく。
Prepare for earthquakes by buying water in advance.
将来に備える。
Prepare for the future.
General preparation for events, but 備える is stronger for precautionary or defensive preparation.
パーティーの準備をする。
Prepare for the party.
Both mean 'prepare', but 準備する focuses on the process of getting ready, while 用意する emphasizes the state of being ready. 用意する often implies that the prepared item is now available for use.
旅行の準備をする（プロセス）
Prepare for the trip (process)
お金を用意する（すぐ使える状態）
Prepare money (have it ready)
While 準備する can be used for food, it sounds formal or large-scale. In daily conversation, use 作る (to make) or 料理する (to cook) for preparing meals.
晩ごはんを作る。
Prepare dinner.
試験の準備をしなければならない。
I need to prepare for the exam.
彼女はおいしい食事を作った。
She prepared a delicious meal.
最悪の事態に備えなければならない。
We must prepare for the worst.
彼はパンチに身構えた。
He prepared himself for the punch.