GRAMMAR DETAIL
に備えて
Indicates making necessary preparations in advance for an anticipated situation.
Examples
停電に備えて、懐中電灯を枕元に置いた。
I placed a flashlight beside my pillow in case of a power outage.
Words used
旅行に備えて、必要な薬を買っておいた。
I bought the medicine I would need in preparation for the trip.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
に備えてto a noun naming an anticipated situation to describe preparing for it in advance. - Basic usage:
停電に備えて、懐中電灯を枕元に置いた。means placing a flashlight beside the pillow in advance for use during a power outage.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- The anticipated situation versus the supplies
- In
停電に備えて水を用意する,停電にidentifies the situation being prepared for, while水をidentifies the supplies. Treating the noun before備えてas the supplies reverses those roles.
- In