準備はいい？
Junbi wa ii?
The English phrase "are you ready?" is translated into Japanese as 準備はいい？ (Junbi wa ii?)
This phrase is used to ask if someone has completed the necessary preparations to start an activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 準備 (junbi) means "preparation".
Which one should you use?
用意はできた? is another informal way to express the same idea.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
準備はいい? is casual and used with friends or family. For a polite version, you can use 準備はできましたか？ If you need to be formal, use ご準備できましたか?
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual Japanese, the question particle か (ka) is often omitted and the question is indicated by rising intonation.
How do you pronounce it?
Junbi wa ii?
When do people say it?
When someone asks if you are ready, you can respond with はい to say "yes".
Did you know?
- In certain martial arts or traditional ceremonies, the concept of being 'ready' is not a question, but a state of mind called 構え (kamae). This refers to a physical and mental posture that signals one is prepared for action.
- The word 準備 (junbi) is used for physical preparations, but when asking if someone is mentally prepared for bad news or a challenge, Japanese speakers often use the word 覚悟 (kakugo).
- In a high-pressure sports or performance setting, Japanese speakers often skip 準備はいい？ and simply shout いくぞ！ ('I'm going!') to signal that the time for preparation is over and the action is starting now.
Examples in context
- 準備はいい？Junbi wa ii?Are you ready?
- 旅行の準備はいい？Ryoko no junbi wa ii?Are you ready for the trip?
- ゲームの準備はいい？Gemu no junbi wa ii?Are you ready for the game?
Example conversation
Misaki asks Hiroto if he is ready to leave for a movie.
- 美咲 Misaki出発の準備はいい？Shuppatsu no junbi wa ii?Are you ready to depart?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、準備はいいよ。Un, junbi wa ii yo.Yeah, I'm ready.
- 美咲 Misakiじゃあ、行こう。Jaa, iko.Then, let's go.
- 大翔 Hiroto待って、鍵を忘れた！Matte, kagi o wasureta!Wait, I forgot my keys!
