準備中(じゅんびちゅう)

準備中(じゅんびちゅう) is a compound of 準備(じゅんび) (preparation) + 中(ちゅう) (in the middle of). Most commonly seen as a sign on shops and restaurants indicating they are not yet open.

Usage

Often appears on the opposite side of a reversible sign from 営業中(えいぎょうちゅう) (open for business). Used both before opening hours and during temporary closures such as lunch breaks.

Common collocations

• 準備中(じゅんびちゅう)の札(ふだ): 'Preparing' sign/placard
• まだ準備中(じゅんびちゅう): still preparing
• 準備中(じゅんびちゅう)の店(みせ): store that is preparing to open

Related words

• 営業中(えいぎょうちゅう): now open for business
• 開店(かいてん): opening (of a store)
• 閉店(へいてん): closing/closed
• 休憩中(きゅうけいちゅう): on break