Definition
常备 is a verb phrase meaning 'to always have something ready or prepared' — it describes a state of constant readiness, often for emergencies, daily use, or military preparedness. You'll see it in compounds like 常备药 (commonly stocked medicine) and 常备不懈 (to be always on guard, never slack off). It's more formal than 准备 and implies habitual or institutional readiness rather than a one-time action.
v.p.
to always have (something) ready or preparedto be constantly on hand or in stock
Examples
- 常备。Jiā lǐ yīnggāi cháng bèi yìxiē jíjiù yòngpǐn.You should always keep some first-aid supplies at home.
- 常备。Jūnduì bìxū cháng bèi bú xiè.The military must be constantly on guard without slackening.
- 常备。Zhège yàofáng cháng bèi gè zhǒng chángyòng yào.This pharmacy always stocks all kinds of commonly used medicines.
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