准备

Use it as a verb like 'to prepare'. You can say 准备 followed by a noun, like 准备 dinner. You can also use it before another verb. This means you are 'planning' to do that thing soon. It is very flexible and hard to mess up. Just drop it in before the action starts.

Use it when you are packing for a trip. Use it when you are studying for an exam. It is perfect for telling friends you are almost ready to leave the house. In a work meeting, use it to show you have done your homework. It works for big life plans and small daily chores alike.

Don't use it for things that are already happening. If you are already eating, don't say you are 准备 eating. Also, avoid it for purely emotional 'readiness' without any action. For deep emotional readiness, Chinese often uses different terms. It is a word of action, not just a feeling. Don't use it if you have zero intention of actually doing the thing.

In China, being 'prepared' is a sign of respect. If you 准备 well for a guest, it shows they are important. There is a famous saying about not fighting a battle you aren't prepared for. This word carries a sense of diligence and care. It is not just a task; it is an attitude toward life.

准备好了 is the most common phrase you will hear. It means 'I am ready!' or 'It is finished!'. You might also hear 没准备, which is the universal excuse for failing a pop quiz. In casual texts, people might just ask 好了吗? instead of the full word. But 准备 remains the solid, reliable foundation for all of them.