noun, takes する, intransitive verb

  1. setting the table, laying the table.
  2. setting up, getting one's ducks in a row, running interference, setting the stage. Idiomatic expression. Usu. お〜.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
膳立て ぜんだて

Contained Kanji Breakdown

small low table, tray
ゼン かしわ すす.める (11th)
month, moon
つき ゲツ ガツ (1st, N5)
virtuous, good, goodness
ゼン よ.い よし.とする (6th, N1)
sheep
ひつじ ヨウ よ (3rd, N1)
to divide
king, rule, magnate
オウ -ノウ おお (1st, N3)
grass, straw, herbs
one, one radical (no.1)
イチ いっ ひと- (1st, N5)
mouth
くち コウ ク (1st, N4)
stand up, rise, set up
た.つ リツ たつ (1st, N4)
kettle lid radical (no. 8)
トウ (Kentei 1)
grass, straw, herbs
to divide
one, one radical (no.1)
イチ いっ ひと- (1st, N5)