How to Say "provision" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “provision” is “provisión” — use this word for the act of providing or a supply of something, especially for future use or need. It can also refer to money set aside for a specific expense.
provisión
pro-vee-SYONpɾoβiˈsjon
Examples
Tenemos una buena provisión de agua para el viaje.
We have a good supply of water for the trip.
La provisión de alimentos llegó justo a tiempo.
The food supply arrived just in time.
Debemos asegurar la provisión de materiales para terminar la obra.
We must ensure the provision of materials to finish the construction.
La empresa hizo una provisión para pagar los impuestos.
The company set aside a provision to pay the taxes.
Gender and Endings
In Spanish, almost all words that end in '-sión' or '-ción' are feminine. You should always use feminine articles like 'la' or 'una' with this word.
The Plural Accent Rule
When you make this word plural ('provisiones'), the accent mark on the 'o' disappears. This happens because the natural stress of the word shifts when you add the extra syllable.
Professional usage
This sense of the word is usually found in accounting and law. It describes the act of preparing for a future cost by holding onto money now.
Misgendering the word
Mistake: “el provisión”
Correction: la provisión (because words ending in -sión are feminine).
suministro
soo-mee-NEES-trohsumiˈnistɾo
Examples
El suministro de agua fue restaurado esta mañana.
The water supply was restored this morning.
Hubo un problema con el suministro de materiales.
There was a problem with the supply of materials.
Using 'de' for Specific Supplies
To specify what is being supplied, always follow 'suministro' with the word 'de' (of). For example, 'suministro de gas' means gas supply.
Suministro vs. Suministrar
Mistake: “Using 'suministrar' when you need a noun.”
Correction: Use 'suministro' for 'the supply' (the thing) and 'suministrar' for 'to supply' (the action).
alimento
ah-lee-MEN-toha.liˈmen.to
Examples
Necesitas comer alimentos frescos para estar sano.
You need to eat fresh food to be healthy.
El arroz es un alimento básico en muchas culturas.
Rice is a staple food in many cultures.
¿Qué tipo de alimento le das a tu perro?
What kind of food do you give your dog?
Gender Check
Remember that 'alimento' is masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el alimento'.
Mixing up 'alimento' and 'comida'
Mistake: “Using 'alimento' when referring to a specific meal (e.g., 'el alimento de la noche').”
Correction: Use 'comida' for a specific meal (lunch, dinner). 'Alimento' refers more to the general substance or category of food, often used in formal or nutritional contexts.
medida
meh-DEE-dahmeˈðiða
Examples
El gobierno implementó nuevas medidas para reducir la contaminación.
The government implemented new measures to reduce pollution.
Debemos tomar medidas drásticas si queremos mejorar los resultados.
We must take drastic steps if we want to improve the results.
La medida de prohibir el tráfico fue impopular.
The measure to prohibit traffic was unpopular.
Plural Use
This meaning is very often used in the plural form ('medidas') when discussing policies or steps taken.
previsión
preh-bee-SYOHNpɾeβiˈsjon
Examples
El sistema de previsión social es fundamental para los jubilados.
The social security system is fundamental for retirees.
La empresa no hizo previsión de fondos para las emergencias.
The company didn't make provision of funds for emergencies.
Es una medida de previsión ante posibles riesgos.
It is a precautionary measure against possible risks.
Using 'de'
When 'previsión' means making a reserve or setting something aside, it is usually followed by the word 'de' and then the thing being set aside (e.g., 'previsión de fondos').
Confusion with English 'Provision'
Mistake: “Using previsión for 'food provisions'.”
Correction: Use 'víveres' or 'provisiones' for physical supplies. Use 'previsión' for the abstract act of planning or social systems.
cláusula
KLAH-oo-soo-lahˈklawsuːla
Examples
Lee bien cada cláusula del contrato antes de firmar.
Read every clause of the contract carefully before signing.
El jugador tiene una cláusula de rescisión millonaria.
The player has a multi-million dollar buyout clause.
Esta cláusula protege los derechos del trabajador.
This clause protects the worker's rights.
Always Feminine
Even though it sounds technical, it follows the standard rule: it ends in 'a' and is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una'.
Using Adjectives
When describing a clause, remember to make the adjective feminine too, like 'cláusula adicional' or 'cláusula pequeña'.
The Wrong Gender
Mistake: “El cláusula es importante.”
Correction: La cláusula es importante. (Nouns ending in -a are typically feminine.)
disposición
dees-poh-see-SYOHNdisposiˈsjon
Examples
La nueva disposición del ministerio afecta a todos los trabajadores.
The ministry's new ruling affects all workers.
Según las disposiciones vigentes, la multa es obligatoria.
According to the current provisions, the fine is mandatory.
Formal Plural Use
This meaning is often used in the plural, 'disposiciones,' when referring to a set of rules or laws.
dispositivo
dis-poh-see-TEE-vohdisposiˈtiβo
Examples
El dispositivo legal entrará en vigor el próximo mes.
The legal provision will come into effect next month.
Según el dispositivo del contrato, debemos pagar la multa.
According to the clause/provision of the contract, we must pay the fine.
Provisions vs. Measures: Rules or Supplies?
Related Translations
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