bèiyòng: 备用 - Spare, Backup, Standby

Keywords: beiyong, 备用, beiyong meaning, Chinese for backup, spare in Chinese, standby, spare parts, emergency use, contingency plan, reserve, spare tire.

Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 备用 (bèiyòng), which translates to “spare,” “backup,” or “standby.” This term is fundamental for expressing the concept of preparedness in Chinese, referring to any item, plan, or resource kept in reserve for future or emergency use. From having a spare tire (备用轮胎) in your car to a backup plan (备用方案) for a project, understanding `bèiyòng` is key to practical, everyday communication.

Pinyin (with tone marks): bèiyòng

Part of Speech: Verb / Adjective

HSK Level: HSK 4

Concise Definition: To have something prepared for later or alternative use; serving as a spare or backup.

In a Nutshell: `备用` is the “just in case” word in Chinese. It describes the status of an object or plan that is not currently in primary use but is ready to be deployed at a moment's notice. It embodies the practical wisdom of being prepared. Think of a spare key, a backup battery, or a reserve fund—these are all `备用` items.

备 (bèi): The character 备 means “to prepare,” “to get ready,” or “to be equipped.” It suggests a state of readiness and having all necessary things on hand.

用 (yòng): A very common and straightforward character meaning “to use” or “to employ.”

When combined, 备用 (bèiyòng) literally means “prepare(d for) use.” This paints a clear picture: something has been set aside and made ready for a future purpose, typically as a replacement or contingency.

The Pragmatism of Preparedness: While not a deep philosophical term, `备用` taps into a strong cultural value of pragmatism and foresight in Chinese society. It's the everyday application of the famous idiom 未雨绸缪 (wèiyǔchóumóu), which means “to repair the house before it rains.” Having `备用` items is seen as a sign of responsibility, prudence, and good planning.

Comparison to Western “Contingency Planning”: In the West, we often talk about a “Plan B” or “contingency plan,” which are abstract concepts. `备用` is similar but is applied much more broadly and concretely to physical objects in daily life. An American might say they have an “extra” key, but a Chinese speaker would more precisely call it a 备用钥匙 (bèiyòng yàoshi), or “backup key,” highlighting its specific function. This reflects a mindset where preparedness is built into the very identity of the objects around you. The concept is less about a formal plan and more about a constant, low-level state of readiness.

Slang Usage: The term 备胎 (bèitāi), literally “spare tire,” is a popular and slightly tragic slang for a person who is a “backup” boyfriend or girlfriend. They are kept around “just in case” the primary relationship doesn't work out. This is a critical piece of modern cultural slang to know.

“Spare” vs. “Extra”: In English, “spare” and “extra” can be similar. In Chinese, `备用` specifically implies a backup function. If you buy three shirts because you like them, those are just extra shirts. If you keep one packed in your suitcase in case the one you're wearing gets stained, that one is `备用`的.

`准备 (zhǔnbèi)` - The active verb “to prepare.” `备用` is the result of `准备`.

`后备 (hòubèi)` - Reserve; backup. Often used for larger-scale reserves, like `后备军 (hòubèijūn)` (reserve forces) or `后备人才 (hòubèi réncái)` (reserve talent pool). It's more formal than `备用`.

`备件 (bèijiàn)` - Specifically means “spare parts” for machinery, cars, or electronics. It's a more technical and specific noun.

`替补 (tìbǔ)` - A substitute, almost always referring to a person who replaces another, like in a sports team or a job.

`备胎 (bèitāi)` - The slang term for a backup boyfriend/girlfriend, derived from “spare tire.”

`应急 (yìngjí)` - To respond to an emergency. Often paired with `备用`, as in `应急备用电源 (yìngjí bèiyòng diànyuán)` (emergency backup power supply).

`预备 (yùbèi)` - To prepare in advance; preliminary. It has an overlap with `准备` but can also imply a probationary or “pre-” status, like `预备党员 (yùbèi dǎngyuán)` (probationary Party member).