储备 chǔbèi to store up
to store up; reserves
How to remember 储备: 储 to save money + 备 prepare = to store up.
Characters
How it is used
- To stockpile/reserve for future need; also the reserves themselves - 储备粮食 (chǔbèi liángshi) to stockpile grain; 外汇储备 (foreign exchange reserves).
- Both verb and noun. Register is economic/strategic - resources set aside against future demand.
- Contrast 储蓄 (chǔxù, to save money in a bank) - 储备 is broader stockpiling of goods, funds, or even talent (人才储备).