What's the difference between “準備” and “預備”？

Jul 3, 2024

(It can be any tense)

1.我在準備晚餐 I am preparing for dinner.

2.我準備要去洗澡了 I am ready to take a shower. I am going to take a shower.

3.我準備下星期去印度 I am planning to go to India next week.

4.我準備明年搬家 I plan to move next year

預備 = 預先準備 to prepare, to plan, to be ready to do something in advance (but you haven't started the action yet)

(It's future tense usually)

Let's talk a look if you can use"預備“ replace "準備 for the previous four sentences!

1.我在預備晚餐 (X) the action is already started, we can't use "預備“ in this sentence.

2.我預備要去洗澡了(O)

3.我預備下星期去印度 (O)

4.我預備明年搬家 (O)

Now, we know that in most situation, we can use “準備” instead of “預備”

But you have to be careful that is the action has started, you can't use “預備”

However, there are some cases “預備” is more suitable for “準備”

For example:

Military Terminology: In military or training scenarios, "預備" is often used, such as "預備，立正!" or "預備，起!" In these contexts, "準備" is generally not used.
Before a Sports Competition: In some commands given before a sports competition starts, "預備" is commonly used, such as "預備，跑!

Let the world spice up your life.