装備

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 装備 is read as そうび and is a noun and する verb for equipment or for equipping someone or something for a particular activity or mission.
• Basic usage: Equipment needed for climbing appears in 登山に必要な装備, while wearing the equipment appears in 装備を身に着ける.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A set suited to a purpose
  • 装備 often refers to the overall set prepared for a purpose such as climbing or a mission rather than to only one item.
• Difference from 道具
  • 道具 broadly denotes an individual tool used for a task, while 装備 focuses on equipment assembled for an activity or mission.