준비하다 (jun-bi-ha-da, junbihada) · 챙기다 (chaeng-gi-da, chaenggida)
'준비하다' refers to systematic planning and preparation, while '챙기다' emphasizes attentive care and making sure not to forget essentials.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To plan and arrange necessary things in advance
When to use
Event planning, Exam preparation, Travel arrangements
The nuance
Used in systematic and planned contexts, suitable for arranging things, schedules, or tasks ahead of time.
To carefully take care of or not forget necessary items or matters
When to use
Packing belongings, Taking care of health, Looking after children
The nuance
Used when attentively taking care of small details or items, often related to belongings, health, or caring for people.
내일 회의를 위해 자료를 준비해야 해.
nae-il hoe-ui-reul wi-hae ja-ryo-reul jun-bi-hae-ya hae., nae il hoe ui reul wi hae ja ryo reul jun bi hae ya hae.
A systematic preparation for a meeting; '준비하다' is appropriate.
내일 회의를 위해 자료를 챙겨야 해.
nae-il hoe-ui-reul wi-hae ja-ryo-reul chaeng-gyeo-ya hae., nae il hoe ui reul wi hae ja ryo reul chaeng gyeo ya hae.
'챙기다' suits attentive care or small items, not large-scale planning like meeting materials.
여행 전에 짐을 준비했어요.
yeo-haeng jeon-e jim-eul jun-bi-haess-eo-yo., yeo haeng jeon e jim eul jun bi haess eo yo.
Appropriate for systematic travel preparation.
여행 전에 짐을 챙겼어요.
yeo-haeng jeon-e jim-eul chaeng-gyeoss-eo-yo., yeo haeng jeon e jim eul chaeng gyeoss eo yo.
Suitable for carefully packing travel belongings.
아침에 건강을 준비했어요.
a-chim-e geon-gang-eul jun-bi-haess-eo-yo., a chim e geon gang eul jun bi haess eo yo.
'준비하다' is unnatural with health; '챙기다' fits health care.
아침에 건강을 챙겼어요.
a-chim-e geon-gang-eul chaeng-gyeoss-eo-yo., a chim e geon gang eul chaeng gyeoss eo yo.
Appropriate for attentive health care.
아이의 학교 준비를 도와줬어요.
a-i-ui hak-gyo jun-bi-reul do-wa-jwoss-eo-yo., a i ui hak gyo jun bi reul do wa jwoss eo yo.
Means systematic preparation for child's school life.
아이를 챙겼어요.
a-i-reul chaeng-gyeoss-eo-yo., a i reul chaeng gyeoss eo yo.
Suitable for caring attentively for a child.
Which sentence correctly uses '챙기다'?
When is '준비하다' appropriate?
Which sentence cannot use '챙기다'?
