Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N2 · Intermediate 2
〜に備えて~ni sonaete
in preparation for
Use 「〜に備えて」 after a noun for preparations made before a possible future situation.
How it works
The earthquake has not happened yet. Why secure the furniture now? Look at the picture: which comes first, the preparation or the earthquake?
「に備えて」 means preparing in advance for a future situation. That situation may not actually occur.
It follows a noun, as in 「地震に備えて」. The noun names the situation you are preparing for.
The second half states the preparations: reinforcing pillars, securing furniture, or packing an emergency bag—all to prepare for an earthquake.
It is not limited to disasters. You can also use 「に備えて」 for installing an air conditioner ahead of the summer heat.
Look at the sentence endings: installing the air conditioner may still be planned, while reinforcing the pillars may already be done. In both cases, the preparation comes before the situation.
Example sentences
- 夏natsuのno暑さatsusaにni備えsonaeて、te、エアコンeakonをo取りtori付けます。tsukemasu。
In preparation for the summer heat, I will install an air conditioner.
In a conversation
Check yourself
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
To prepare for the winter cold, we will install floor heating in the room.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
夏の暑さに____、エアコンを取り付けます。
To prepare for the summer heat, I will install an air conditioner.
More grammar in this theme
- 〜に備えてin preparation for