How to say "prepare" in Japanese

• 設けるもうけるJLPT N1approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'prepare' in the sense of providing or setting something up, such as facilities, opportunities, or arrangements. It is not the word for preparing food or getting yourself ready; it is really about providing something for others to use.
• 沸かすわかすJLPT N4approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbUsed for 'prepare' only with a bath or a hot drink, where it literally means to boil or heat the water. For preparing anything else, this is not the word you want.
  ジェシーはコーヒーを入いれる為ためにお湯ゆを沸わかしている。↗

  Jessie is boiling water to make coffee.
• 作るつくるJLPT N5approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers 'prepare' for food, and also means to brew alcohol. This is the everyday word when the object of 'prepare' is a meal or drink you make from ingredients.
  たまごを割わらずにオムレツは作つくれない。↗

  You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.
• 整えるととのえるJLPT N1approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbMeans to get something ready or put it in proper order, and can also mean to arrange or supply. Use it for preparing conditions, settings, or arrangements so that everything is in place.
  私わたしたちはスキーの装備そうびを整ととのえた。↗

  We fitted ourselves out for skiing.
• 揃えるそろえるJLPT N2approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbMeans to arrange or put things in order, and overlaps with 'prepare' in the sense of getting a set of things ready so all needed items are on hand. Think of having everything complete and in order.
  パーティーには食べ物たべものや飲物のみものが豊富ほうふに揃そろえて有あった。↗

  There was food and drink in abundance at the party.

Choose by object: use 「作る」 for food, 「沸かす」 for baths and hot drinks, 「整える」 or 「揃える」 for getting things ready, and 「設ける」 for providing or setting up facilities and occasions.

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

• 設けるもうけるto prepare
• 沸かすわかすto boil
• 仕立て上げるしたてあげるto make out to be
• 作るつくるto prepare (food)
• 整えるととのえるto get ready
• 揃えるそろえるto arrange
• こしらえるto prepare
• こさえるto prepare
• 具するぐするto assemble (necessary items)
• 具すぐすto assemble (necessary items)
• 打つうつto make (noodles, etc.)
• 仕込むしこむto prepare (esp. ingredients for brewing)
• 仕立てるしたてるto prepare