准备 (zhǔn bèi) — to prepare; to intend, to be about to

Definition

Core everyday word covering both senses: to prepare/get ready (concrete action) AND to intend/be about to. 打算 is just planning, with less sense of actual preparation; 预备 is a more formal near-synonym for the 'get ready' sense.

verb
to prepareto intendto be about to

Examples

  • 准备
    Mā ma zài zhǔn bèi wǎn fàn.
    Mom is preparing dinner.
  • 准备
    Wǒ zhèng zài zhǔn bèi míng tiān de kǎo shì.
    I am preparing for tomorrow's exam.
  • 准备
    Xià ge yuè wǒ zhǔn bèi qù shàng hǎi.
    I intend to go to Shanghai next month.

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