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March 24, 2026
预(預)yù(yu4)
The character 预 (yù) means 'to prepare' or 'to arrange' something in advance. It is commonly used in contexts where planning or preparation is necessary, such as scheduling events or making arrangements. The nuance often implies foresight and proactive action.
Strokes10Radical页Frequency#6319DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, preparation is highly valued, especially in business and social settings. The concept of 'preparing in advance' is tied to the cultural importance of harmony and avoiding last-minute chaos.
Memory Tip
Think of 预 (yù) as a reminder to plan ahead, like setting an umbrella out in advance before a rainy day. The left part resembles a roof (representing shelter from rain), and the right part suggests the concept of 'beforehand' with the sound 'yù' echoing the urgency of preparation.
Meanings of 预
yù(yu4)
1to advance
2in advance
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 预
预Simplified
預Traditional
10Strokes
页Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#6319Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2
Podcast: 预
Podcast: 预
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AI Study Notes for 预
Quick Contrast
预 (yù) vs 准 (zhǔn) — use 预 when emphasizing preparation in advance, while 准 focuses more on accuracy or being ready.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 预 (yù) as a reminder to plan ahead, like setting an umbrella out in advance before a rainy day. The left part resembles a roof (representing shelter from rain), and the right part suggests the concept of 'beforehand' with the sound 'yù' echoing the urgency of preparation.
Usage Notes
Avoid confusing 预 with similar-sounding characters like 于 (yú) which has a different meaning. This word can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is particularly common in written Chinese, such as in official documents and invitations. Common collocations include 预定 (yùdìng - to reserve) and 预备 (yùbèi - to prepare).
HSK Study Tips
Although 预 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it is useful for learners at an intermediate level. Students should focus on recognizing it in compound words and understanding its role in indicating preparation or planning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, preparation is highly valued, especially in business and social settings. The concept of 'preparing in advance' is tied to the cultural importance of harmony and avoiding last-minute chaos.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 预 with 预见 (yùjiàn - to foresee) or 预约 (yùyuē - to make an appointment), which have specific contexts. A common mistake is using 预 without a following noun, such as saying '我预' instead of '我预订' (I reserve).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 预
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Grammar Patterns of 预
预 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Conrad Black gave an excellent party that surpassed expectations.
Cultural Notes for 预
💡Did you know?
The character '预' is often used in expressions related to planning and preparation. In Chinese culture, being prepared is highly valued, especially in business and education.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, preparation is highly valued, especially in business and social settings. The concept of 'preparing in advance' is tied to the cultural importance of harmony and avoiding last-minute chaos.
Word Family of 预
Compounds1
蓣yu4yam
Words Containing This Character20
预计yùjìto forecast預計
预测yùcèto forecast預測
预期yùqīto expect預期
预算yùsuànbudget預算
预防yùfángto prevent預防
预约yùyuēbooking預約
预言yùyánto predict預言
预yùto advance預
预定yùdìngto schedule in advance預定
预料yùliàoto forecast預料
预备yùbèito prepare預備
预感yùgǎnpremonition預感
预订yùdìngto place an order預訂
预见yùjiànto foresee預見
干预gānyùto meddle干預
预告yùgàoto forecast預告
预报yùbàoforecast預報
预警warning預警
预先yùxiānbeforehand預先
预谋premeditated預謀
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蓣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 预
Common phrases using 预 include 预约 (yùyuē), meaning 'to make an appointment', and 预告 (yùgào), meaning 'to forecast' or 'to preview'. These phrases highlight the concept of anticipation and preparation.
You can use 预 (yù) in a sentence like '我预订了酒店' (Wǒ yùdìngle jiǔdiàn), which means 'I booked the hotel in advance'. It often indicates that something is done beforehand to facilitate future actions.
预 (yù) means 'to advance' or 'in advance'. It is used in contexts where preparation or prior action is involved, such as planning ahead or preparing for something before it happens.
You can say: 我们需要提前预定酒店。(Wǒmen xūyào tíqián yùdìng jiǔdiàn. - We need to reserve the hotel in advance.)
Synonyms include 准备 (zhǔnbèi - to prepare) and 安排 (ānpái - to arrange).
Yes, 预 is used frequently in both written and spoken Chinese, particularly when discussing plans or arrangements.
