備える・具える|そなえるsonaeru[3]nakadaka (mid-high)
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Which spelling to use
備える備える is the most common written form, combining kanji with kana. It is the usual choice for learners.
具える具える is rarely used and also combines kanji with kana. Learners will seldom encounter it and should generally choose 備える instead.
Definitions
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto furnish with; to equip with; to provide; to install
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto prepare for; to make preparations for; to make provision for
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto possess (all that is needed); to be endowed with; to be equipped with
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto be born with; to have since birth
Conjugation
| Dictionary form | 備える（そなえる） |
|---|---|
| Polite (masu) | 備えます（そなえます） |
| Negative (nai) | 備えない（そなえない） |
| polite (masen) | 備えません（そなえません） |
| classical zu / nu | 備えず・備えぬ（そなえず・そなえぬ） |
| Past (ta) | 備えた（そなえた） |
| polite (mashita) | 備えました（そなえました） |
| Past negative (nakatta) | 備えなかった（そなえなかった） |
| polite (masen deshita) | 備えませんでした（そなえませんでした） |
| Te form | 備えて（そなえて） |
| Potential | 備えられる（そなえられる） |
| Passive | 備えられる（そなえられる） |
| Causative | 備えさせる（そなえさせる） |
| Causative passive | 備えさせられる（そなえさせられる） |
| Conditional (ba) | 備えれば（そなえれば） |
| tara | 備えたら（そなえたら） |
| Volitional | 備えよう（そなえよう） |
| polite (mashou) | 備えましょう（そなえましょう） |
| Imperative | 備えろ（そなえろ） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Transitive / intransitive pair
機能を備える
備わる emphasizes that a feature or quality is inherently present (as in 機能が備わる), whereas 備える focuses on the act of providing or equipping something with that feature (機能を備える).
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym備え付けるそなえつけるNeutralPlaces equipment somewhere fixed for use at any time; 「備える」 also covers preparing in advance and having the needed qualities.
- Synonym装備そうびNeutralEquipping with weapons or gear for a purpose, as in mountain-climbing equipment; 「備える」 has much broader uses.
- Synonym設置せっちNeutralSetting up an institution or installing equipment; somewhat formal. 「備える」 stresses having things ready in advance.
- Synonym設けるもうけるNeutralSetting up or establishing, as in 「窓を設ける」「規則を設ける」; 「備える」 stresses providing what is needed or preparing for the future.
- Synonym備わるそなわるNeutralIntransitive: already equipped, or a quality already present. 「備える」 is transitive: actively equipping or preparing, and can also say a person has an ability.
- Related据え付けるすえつけるNeutralFixes machines, furniture, air conditioners etc. firmly in place, stressing that they stay put; 「備える」 is not limited to fixed installation.
- Related装着そうちゃくNeutralAttaching parts or wearing something, stressing the act of fitting; 「備える」 stresses being fully equipped.
- Related設備せつびNeutralFacilities installed at a place, or the act of installing them; 「備える」 also means preparing for the future or having ability, not just facilities.
- Related装置そうちNeutralA mechanical device and its installation, also stage sets; close to 「備える」 only in the sense of equipping.
- Related用意よういNeutralPreparing things in advance; very common in speech, as in 「お茶を用意する」. 「備える」 stresses guarding against what may come.
- Related取り付けるとりつけるNeutralFitting something onto another object, stressing the act of installation; 「備える」 stresses being fully equipped.
- RelatedしつらえるWrittenWritten and slightly archaic: arranging or furnishing a place. In everyday speech use 「用意する」 or 「備える」.
- Related作り付けるつくりつけるNeutralFixing furniture etc. onto another object so it cannot be removed at will; 「備える」 is not limited to fixed installation.
- Antonym欠くかくNeutralTo lack or be missing — the opposite of 「備える」 in its sense of possessing, as in 「常識を欠く」.
Use 「備える」 for preparing for the future, equipping a place with what is needed, or having the qualities required. For advance preparation say 「用意」; for installing facilities 「設置」 or 「備え付ける」; for something already equipped 「備わる」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
