Meanings of 備
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About 備
Podcast: 備
Podcast: 備
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AI Study Notes for 備
准备 (zhǔnbèi, to prepare) vs 整备 (zhěngbèi, to overhaul) — use 備 (bèi) for general readiness, while 整备 (zhěngbèi) implies a more thorough or systematic preparation.
Be cautious with the tone, as 'bèi' has a falling tone that can be confused with similar-sounding characters. Common collocations include 備妥 (bèi tuǒ - to be fully prepared) and 備份 (bèi fèn - backup). It's used in both formal and informal registers, but context matters.
Though 備 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with HSK Level 4 words like 准备 (zhǔn bèi - to prepare) and 设备 (shè bèi - equipment). Focus on its usage in various contexts to solidify understanding.
Learners often confuse 備 with 备 (also pronounced bèi), which is a simplified version used in Mainland China. For example, saying '我准备了備品' (Wǒ zhǔnbèile bèipǐn) is incorrect; it should be '我准备了备品' using the simplified form.
Pronunciation of 備
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Etymology of 備
Simplified form of 備. Pictograph of a container for holding arrows, which helped in preparation for battle. The 亻 (person) component was added later. The traditional component 亻 was removed for simplification.
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 備
Simplified form of 備. Pictograph of a container for holding arrows, which helped in preparation for battle. The 亻 (person) component was added later. The traditional component 亻 was removed for simplification.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 備? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 備
Identify the Components
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How to say to prepare; to get ready, to equip; ready; perfect in Chinese
“to prepare; to get ready, to equip; ready; perfect” in Chinese is備
The character 備 (bèi) primarily means 'to prepare' or 'to get ready.' It is often used in contexts where one needs to equip themselves with necessary items or skills, as well as in phrases indicating that something is ready or perfected.
When to use 備
Be cautious with the tone, as 'bèi' has a falling tone that can be confused with similar-sounding characters. Common collocations include 備妥 (bèi tuǒ - to be fully prepared) and 備份 (bèi fèn - backup). It's used in both formal and informal registers, but context matters.
備 or something close to it
准备 (zhǔnbèi, to prepare) vs 整备 (zhěngbèi, to overhaul) — use 備 (bèi) for general readiness, while 整备 (zhěngbèi) implies a more thorough or systematic preparation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 備 with 备 (also pronounced bèi), which is a simplified version used in Mainland China. For example, saying '我准备了備品' (Wǒ zhǔnbèile bèipǐn) is incorrect; it should be '我准备了备品' using the simplified form.
Write 備
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Word Family of 備
Compound Meaning
What does 准备 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 備
It is pronounced as 'bèi' with a falling tone.
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