How to say "preparation" in Japanese

• 準備じゅんびJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe general-purpose word for preparation: getting ready in advance for an exam, a trip, a meeting, or any task. If you are unsure which word fits, this is the safe choice.
  準備じゅんびができるまでちょっと待まってくれ。↗

  Hang on a bit until I'm ready.
• 用意よういJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbLargely interchangeable with 準備; it often suggests having things ready for use when needed — a meal, tools, a room — rather than the process of getting them ready.
  その部屋へやはあなたが使つかえるよう用意よういができています。↗

  The room is now ready for you.
• 支度したくJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbPreparation in the sense of getting ready — dressing, packing, getting oneself or a meal ready, typically before going out or starting the day.
  すぐに旅たびの支度したくをしなさい。↗

  Get ready for the trip at once.
• 備えそなえCommon
  nounReadiness or provision made in advance for future needs or emergencies, with a nuance of guarding against trouble. For everyday getting ready it is seldom the word you want; 準備 or 支度 fit better.
  このお金かねは、もしものときの備そなえです。↗

  This money is for a rainy day.
• 設営せつえいCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbNot the general word for preparation: it means physically setting up a structure, camp, or venue for an event. Choose it only when 'preparation' refers to this kind of setup work.
  リーダーはどこでテントを設営せつえいするか知しっているべきだ。↗

  The leader should know where to set up the tent.

Use 準備 for preparation in general, 用意 for having things ready for use, 支度 for getting oneself ready to go out, 「備え」 for provision against future contingencies, and 設営 only for setting up a venue or structure.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 準備じゅんびpreparation
• 用意よういpreparation
• 支度したくpreparation
• 備えそなえpreparation
• 設営せつえいsetting up (a structure, building, camp, etc.)
• 造成ぞうせいdevelopment (of land)
• 設けもうけpreparation
• 調製ちょうせいmaking (to order)
• 対策たいさくmeasure
• 調合ちょうごうmixing
• 仕拵えしこしらえpreparation (e.g. of land for tilling)
• 整えととのえpreparation
• 調進ちょうしんpreparation
• 心組みこころぐみpreparation
• 製剤せいざいformulation (of pharmaceuticals)
• 下ごしらえしたごしらえpreliminary arrangements
• 拵えこしらえmake
• 下読みしたよみpreparatory reading
• 足固めあしがためgroundwork
• 調合剤ちょうごうざいmixture
• 前処理まえしょりpreprocessing
• 心づもりこころづもりanticipation
• 予備よびpreparation
• 伏線ふくせんpreparation
• 仕込みしこみpreparation (e.g. ingredients)
• 下調べしたしらべpreparation (for a class)
• 整備せいびputting in place
• 足慣らしあしならしwarm-up
• 仕立てしたて(special) preparation
• 仕掛けしかけset up