准备做
To prepare to do
Literally: Ready/Prepare (准备) + Do (做)
Use `准备做` to show you have a plan and are moving toward starting an action.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to express intention or the act of getting ready.
- Follows the simple structure: Subject + 准备做 + Action.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual weekend chats.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to way to say you are getting ready or planning to do something. It covers everything from 'I'm about to start' to 'I'm currently preparing for a future task.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about dinner plans
我准备做意大利面。
I'm preparing to make pasta.
In a business meeting
我们准备做一份新的市场报告。
We are preparing to do a new market report.
Texting a friend about the weekend
你周末准备做什么？
What are you planning to do this weekend?
Cultural Background
The concept of 'preparation' (准备) is deeply rooted in the Chinese value of 'mou' (planning). Historically, being prepared was seen as a sign of wisdom and maturity. Today, this phrase is a staple of modern productivity culture in cities like Shanghai and Beijing.
The 'Ready' Shortcut
If you just want to say 'I'm ready!', say `我准备好了` (Wǒ zhǔnbèi hǎo le). The `好` adds the sense of completion to the preparation.
Don't Overuse 'Do'
In Chinese, if the action verb is specific (like 'eat' or 'read'), you don't need the word 'do' (做). Just say `准备吃` or `准备看`.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to express intention or the act of getting ready.
- Follows the simple structure: Subject + 准备做 + Action.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual weekend chats.
What It Means
准备做 is a simple, versatile bridge. It connects your current state of preparation to an action. It is the verbal equivalent of packing your bags before a trip. You use it when the action hasn't started yet. However, the intention is already set in stone. It feels active and purposeful.
How To Use It
Just drop your action right after the phrase. It functions like a helping verb in English. You can say 我准备做饭 (I am preparing to cook). You can also add time markers. For example, 我明天准备做 (I plan to do it tomorrow). It is very flexible with subjects. Use it with 'I', 'we', or even a company name. It doesn't require complex grammar particles to work.
When To Use It
Use it when you are in the 'warm-up' phase. It is perfect for professional settings when discussing projects. It is equally great for casual plans with friends. Use it when someone asks, 'What are you up to?' If you are about to start a task, this is your phrase. It shows you have a plan and are moving toward it. It sounds organized and reliable.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are already doing the action. If the onions are already in the pan, don't say 准备做饭. In that case, use 正在. Also, avoid it for involuntary actions. You wouldn't 'prepare to sneeze' or 'prepare to be tall.' It implies a conscious choice or a planned effort. If you are just 'thinking' about it but have no plan, use 想 instead.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture values being prepared and 'looking ahead.' Using 准备 suggests you are a person with a plan. It avoids the impulsiveness that some other verbs might imply. In business, saying you are 准备做 something sounds much better than just saying you 'might' do it. It shows respect for the process and the other person's time. It is a very 'safe' and polite way to state intentions.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more formal, use 打算 (dǎsuàn). If you are literally 'getting things ready' (like ingredients), you might just use 准备. You can also add 好 (hǎo) to show you are finished preparing. 准备好了 means 'I am ready.' For very immediate actions, people often just say 就要...了. But 准备做 remains the most balanced and common version for daily life.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-register collocation. Use it freely with bosses, friends, or strangers. Just remember that if a specific verb is available (like 'to write'), you usually drop the '做' and say '准备写'.
The 'Ready' Shortcut
If you just want to say 'I'm ready!', say `我准备好了` (Wǒ zhǔnbèi hǎo le). The `好` adds the sense of completion to the preparation.
Don't Overuse 'Do'
In Chinese, if the action verb is specific (like 'eat' or 'read'), you don't need the word 'do' (做). Just say `准备吃` or `准备看`.
Polite Deflection
Chinese speakers often use `我准备...` to politely decline an immediate request by showing they are already committed to another plan.
Examples
6我准备做意大利面。
I'm preparing to make pasta.
A classic everyday use for daily chores.
我们准备做一份新的市场报告。
We are preparing to do a new market report.
Shows professional intent and a clear roadmap.
你周末准备做什么？
What are you planning to do this weekend?
A very common way to ask about someone's plans.
我准备做运动，但我的床不让我走。
I'm preparing to exercise, but my bed won't let me go.
Humorous way to show the gap between intent and action.
我准备做一个重要的决定。
I am preparing to make an important decision.
Adds weight and gravity to the upcoming action.
我准备做最后一组练习。
I'm ready to do the last set of exercises.
Indicates you are mentally and physically poised to start.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'I am preparing to go to China.'
我 ___ 去中国。
`准备` is the verb for 'preparing/planning' which fits the context of a future trip.
Complete the question: 'What are you preparing to do?'
你准备 ___ 什么？
`做` means 'to do', making the full phrase 'prepare to do'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of '准备做'
Chatting with roommates about lunch.
准备做饭
Standard daily communication.
准备做作业
Discussing project phases in an office.
准备做汇报
When to use 准备做
Cooking
准备做晚饭
Work
准备做PPT
Travel
准备做攻略
Exercise
准备做瑜伽
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it means you are in the stage right before starting. If you are already doing it, use 正在做.
Yes, you can use it for something happening in five minutes or five months, like 准备做生意 (preparing to start a business).
Absolutely. It is neutral and professional. For example, 我们准备做进一步的调查 (We are prepared to do further investigation).
准备 (zhǔnbèi) implies you are actually getting things ready, while 打算 (dǎsuàn) is more about the mental intention or 'planning' to do something.
Actually, for exams, we usually just say 准备考试. Adding 做 makes it sound like you are 'making' the exam paper instead of 'studying' for it.
Simply add 没 (méi) before the phrase: 我还没准备好做这件事.
It is extremely common in both. It's one of those 'workhorse' phrases you'll hear and see everywhere.
Yes, you can say 我准备做他的助手 (I am preparing to be his assistant).
No, it's a statement of intent. To make it a command, you'd say 准备好！ (Get ready!).
Yes, like 准备做最坏的打算 (Prepare for the worst-case scenario).
Related Phrases
打算 (dǎsuàn) - To plan/intend
计划 (jìhuà) - To plan (more formal/structured)
准备好了 (zhǔnbèi hǎo le) - Ready
就要...了 (jiù yào... le) - About to happen very soon
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