備え|そなえsonae[3]odaka (tail-high)

1. nounpreparation; provision; guarding
   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.

• Synonym支度したくNeutralPreparing to go out, cook and the like; common in speech. 「備え」 is about preparing for the unexpected.
• Synonym準備じゅんびNeutralThe most broadly used word for preparation. 「備え」 centers on forestalling trouble before it happens.
• Synonym用意よういNeutralHaving things ready for use, as in 「食事の用意」; focuses on getting items ready.
• Related下準備したじゅんびNeutralAdvance preparation; emphasizes the groundwork laid beforehand.
• Related守りまもりNeutralDefense, also divine protection or a charm. Focuses on guarding itself, while 「備え」 is advance preparation.
• Related防御ぼうぎょNeutralWarding off enemy attacks; mostly military or sports. 「備え」 also covers precautions against disasters.
• Related備え付けそなえつけNeutralItems installed in a facility, or the act of installing them, as in 「備え付けのベッド」; 「備え」 is precaution.
• RelatedディフェンスNeutralLoanword for defense, mainly in sports; 「備え」 is not limited to games.
• Related防衛ぼうえいNeutralDefense and protection, often a nation resisting invasion, as in 「防衛費」; 「備え」 is everyday precaution.
• Related警備けいびNeutralGuarding premises or events, as in 「警備員」; emphasizes patrols and standing watch.
• Related守備しゅびNeutralDefending a position; also fielding in baseball. Focuses on holding one's post.
• Related固めかためNeutralDefense or guarding, as in 「門の固め」; stresses strengthening a defense, while 「備え」 stresses advance preparation.
• Related貯蔵ちょぞうNeutralStoring goods away; about preservation, not precaution.
• Related蓄えたくわえNeutralStored supplies or savings, as in 「老後の蓄え」; focuses on what has been put aside.
• Related下ごしらえしたごしらえNeutralAdvance prep work, often pre-treating ingredients; mostly used for cooking.
• Related防備ぼうびNeutralMeasures against external threats or disasters; written style. Stresses the defensive setup.
• Related警防けいぼうWrittenGuarding against disasters and crime; a written/formal word, rarely used.
• Related防衛策ぼうえいさくNeutralDefensive countermeasures or plans; written style. Stresses the plan itself.
• Related防ぎふせぎNeutralProtection or prevention; rare — people normally say 「防止」 or 「防御」, and 「備え」 is more common.
• Related警固けいごWrittenWritten word, still used today, for tight guarding of important people or places.
• Antonym油断ゆだんNeutralCarelessness or letting your guard down; the opposite of 「備え」.
• Antonym無防備むぼうびNeutralBeing defenseless or unprotected; the opposite of 「備え」.

Use 「備え」 for precautions taken in advance against disasters or emergencies, as in 「備えあれば憂いなし」. For general preparation say 「準備」 or 「用意」; for stockpiled supplies or savings say 「蓄え」. The opposites are 「油断」 and 「無防備」.

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

1. 外敵がいてきからの攻撃こうげきや非常事態ひじょうじたいなどに備そなえること。準備じゅんび。用意ようい。