Meaning and Usage
"예비" generally refers to preparation or something kept in reserve. It is often used as a noun or adjective to describe things or people that are ready to be used or activated when needed.
Common Contexts
- Military: "예비군" means reserve forces, soldiers who are trained and ready but not currently active.
- Education: "예비 시험" refers to a preliminary or mock exam to prepare for the main test.
- Everyday: "예비 부품" means spare parts kept for emergencies.
Collocations and Patterns
- 예비군 훈련 (reserve forces training): training for reserve soldiers.
- 예비 시험 (preliminary exam): a test to prepare for the main exam.
- 예비 부품 (spare parts): parts kept in reserve for replacement.
Register and Usage Notes
"예비" is a formal term often used in official or technical contexts. It is not typically used in casual conversation alone but appears in compound nouns or phrases.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "예비" with "준비" (preparation). "준비" refers to the act of preparing, while "예비" refers to something prepared or reserved in advance. For example, "예비 부품" (spare parts) vs. "부품 준비" (preparing parts).