Translation and Meaning of: 予備 - yobi

The Japanese word 「予備」 (yobi) is composed of the characters 「予」 and 「備」. The first kanji, 「予」, carries the meaning of "preliminary" or "anticipated," while the second kanji, 「備」, refers to "preparation" or "provision." Together, these characters form the term 「予備」, which is widely used to refer to something that is prepared or kept in reserve, that is, a "reserve" or "supplement."

Historically, these two ideas were fundamental in various civilizations, including in Japan, where the anticipation and preparation for future events have always been seen as desirable aspects. Over time, this concept has consolidated in the Japanese language and has been used in various contexts, from preparations for emergencies to replacement items in a range of everyday situations. This versatility of the term has made it an essential part of modern Japanese vocabulary.

The use of the term 「予備」 can be found in different areas, such as in "予備部品" (yobi buhin), which refers to spare parts, or "予備知識" (yobi chishiki), which means prior knowledge. These compounds illustrate how the concept of anticipation and preparation is intertwined in both language and Japanese culture. The practice of always being prepared is highly valued, reflecting a cultural prudence aimed at minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.

In a more abstract sense, 「予備」 also suggests a mindset of being prepared for the unexpected. In a constantly changing world, advance preparation can be the difference between success and failure. This philosophical aspect of the term resonates in many Japanese traditions and practices, where careful reflection and planning are viewed as essential virtues. Therefore, the practice of keeping something in reserve or in preparation can be seen as an expression of the ethos of readiness that permeates Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 予備 (yobi) - Reservation; Additional preparation
• 余裕 (yoyuu) - Margin; Extra effort; Available field
• 予定 (yotei) - Plan; Programming; Pre-arrangement
• 予算 (yosan) - Budget; Preliminary calculation of expenses
• 余力 (yoryoku) - Remaining strength or energy; Available capacity

予備

Romaji: yobi
Kana: よび
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: preparation; preliminary; reserve; reserve

Meaning in English: preparation;preliminaries;reserve;spare

Definition: Get ready in advance. Or something like that.

Example Sentences - (予備) yobi

See below some example sentences:

予備があれば安心だね。

Yobi ga areba anshin da ne

If we have a backup

It's safe if you have a spare.

• 予備 - It means "reserve" or "backup".
• が - It is a particle that indicates a subordinate clause or marks the subject of a sentence.
• あれば - It is a conjugation of the verb "aru" which means "to exist". In this case, it is in the conditional "if it exists".
• 安心 - means "tranquility" or "security".
• だ - It is an auxiliary verb that indicates the simple present.
• ね - it is a particle that indicates a rhetorical question or asks for the opinion of the interlocutor.