Translation and Meaning of: 供給 - kyoukyuu

The Japanese word 供給 (きょうきゅう) is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is related to the concept of "supply" or "provision," but its application goes beyond the literal sense. In this article, we will explore everything from its origin and writing to everyday use, as well as curiosities that can help with memorization. If you want to understand how 供給 functions in practice, this guide from Suki Nihongo will clarify your doubts.

Meaning and usage of 供給

供給 is composed of two kanji: 供 (which can mean "to offer" or "to accompany") and 給 (related to "to provide" or "to grant"). Together, they form a word that describes the act of supplying something necessary, whether in material contexts, such as food and energy, or abstract ones, such as information. In daily life, it's common to hear it in news about supply chains or public policies.

A practical example is its use in sentences like "電力の供給が不安定だ" (the supply of electricity is unstable), where the word takes on a central role in communication. Unlike similar , 供給 carries a nuance of systematicity, often linked to continuous or planned processes.

Origin and components of kanjis

The etymology of 供給 traces back to Classical Chinese, where both kanjis were already used in contexts of provision. 供 (KYŌ/KU) originally represented the idea of "presenting an offering," while 給 (KYŪ) was associated with "distributing resources." This combination reflects historical values of reciprocity and social organization in East Asia.

Interestingly, the radical 人 (person) present in 供 reinforces the idea of human action, while 糸 (thread) in 給 suggests connection — elements that can aid in memorization. Sources like Kanjigen emphasize that this composition literally visualizes "people ensuring what is essential through bonds."

Cultural contexts and frequency

In contemporary Japan, 供給 is frequently used in discussions about sustainability and logistics. During crises such as the semiconductor shortage in 2021, the term gained prominence in the media, highlighting its practical relevance. Companies like Toyota use it in annual reports to describe production chains.

Outside the corporate environment, the word appears in mangas like "Spy×Family", where characters discuss the "supply" of resources in missions. This ubiquity in formal and informal contexts shows how 供給 is rooted in both technical vocabulary and everyday language.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 提供 (teikyou) - Supply, proposal of something for use or access.
• 供給する (kyoukyuu suru) - Provide, supply, or make resources or services available.
• 供与 (kyouyo) - Provision or granting of something, often in a formal context.
• 供出 (kyoudatsu) - Deployment or delivery of resources, usually in special or emergency contexts.
• 供給量 (kyoukyuu-ryou) - The supplied quantity refers to the amount of a resource available to meet the demand.