Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Supply" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "supply", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
供給
きょうきゅう (kyoukyuu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
補給
ほきゅう (hokyuu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "supply" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 供給 and 補給.
In Japanese, 供給 (きょうきゅう (kyoukyuu)) is typically associated with "supply, provision" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to providing goods, services, or resources. Often used in economics or business contexts, contrasting with '需要'.
On the other hand, 補給 (ほきゅう (hokyuu)) maps to "supply; replenishment" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 不足した物や消費された物を、再び供給することを意味します。特に、活動中に必要なエネルギーや水分などを補充する際によく使われます。. A literal translation of "supply" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "供給"
食料の供給が不足している。
The supply of food is insufficient.
Bilingual Context for "補給"
長距離ランニング中はこまめに水分を補給したほうがいい。
It's better to replenish fluids frequently during a long-distance run.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "食料の ＿＿＿ が不足している。" (Meaning: "The supply of food is insufficient.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "供給" fits here because it means "supply, provision" in the context of: "The supply of food is insufficient.". "補給" represents "supply; replenishment".