設備

せつび

equipment, device, facilities

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"設備" (せつび) refers to equipment, devices, or facilities used in various contexts such as factories, buildings, or hotels. It often implies installed or built-in systems rather than portable tools.

Common Contexts

You will frequently encounter "設備" when talking about infrastructure, machinery, or amenities in places like factories, offices, hotels, or public facilities.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 設備が整う (せつびがととのう): "equipment/facilities are complete or well-prepared" — used to describe a place having all necessary equipment.
  • 設備の故障 (せつびのこしょう): "equipment failure" — common in technical or industrial contexts.
  • 最新の設備 (さいしんのせつび): "latest equipment/facilities" — emphasizes modern or up-to-date installations.

Register and Nuance

"設備" is a neutral, formal noun often used in business, technical, or official contexts. It is not casual and usually appears in written or formal spoken Japanese.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "設備" with "道具" (どうぐ), which means tools or instruments, often portable. Remember, "設備" usually refers to fixed or installed equipment or facilities, not handheld tools.

Example Sentences

あたらしいこうじょうにはさいしんのせつびがととのっている。

The new factory is equipped with the latest facilities.

このほてるのせつびはとてもしゅうじつしている。

The facilities of this hotel are very well-equipped.

せつびのこしょうでせいさんがいちじていしした。

Production was temporarily stopped due to equipment failure.