Definitions

bèi (verb) to prepare; to get ready
bèi (verb) to provide; to equip

Etymology

Simplified form of . Depicts preparing a container for arrows to equip oneself for battle.

About

The character "备" originates from the traditional form "備", which structurally combines the human component "人" with the element "茍", the latter contributing a sense of preparation and conscientiousness to its early meaning of making ready or being fully equipped. Over centuries, the character's form underwent a gradual process of simplification, resulting in the contemporary shape "备", where the original components are condensed into a more abstract arrangement that still conveys the essential idea. While its visual representation has been streamlined, the character's core semantic field has remained consistently centered on concepts of preparation and completeness, as seen in its enduring use in compounds that express readiness, possession, or the state of being thoroughly furnished.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我已经准好了。

Wǒ yǐjīng zhǔnbèi hǎo le.

I am already prepared.

这个设很先进。

Zhège shèbèi hěn xiānjìn.

This equipment is very advanced.

份重要文件。

Qǐng bèifèn zhòngyào wénjiàn.

Please backup important files.

他具所有技能。

Tā jùbèi suǒyǒu jìnéng.

He possesses all the skills.

我们要防意外。

Wǒmen yào fángbèi yìwài.

We need to guard against accidents.

这些记录留作查。

Zhèxiē jìlù liú zuò bèichá.

These records are kept for future reference.

汽车后箱里有胎。

Qìchē hòubèi xiāng lǐ yǒu bèitāi.

There is a spare tire in the car trunk.

国家正在积极战。

Guójiā zhèngzài jījí bèizhàn.

The country is actively preparing for war.