Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Supply" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "supply", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
供給する
きょうきゅうする (kyoukyuu suru)
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 供給する and 補給.
In Japanese, 供給する (きょうきゅうする (kyoukyuu suru)) is typically associated with "to supply; to provide; to distribute; to provision" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to supplying water/electricity.
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 "供給する"
このスマートクリーンエネルギープラントは、都市全体に向けて十分な電力を安全に_______能力を備えています。
This smart clean energy plant has the capacity to safely supply sufficient electricity to the entire city.
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: "このスマートクリーンエネルギープラントは、都市全体に向けて十分な電力を安全に_______能力を備えています。" (Meaning: "This smart clean energy plant has the capacity to safely supply sufficient electricity to the entire city.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "供給する" fits here because it means "to supply; to provide; to distribute; to provision" in the context of: "This smart clean energy plant has the capacity to safely supply sufficient electricity to the entire city.". "補給" represents "supply; replenishment".