Inklingo

How to Say "provision" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “provision” is “alimento” — use 'alimento' when 'provision' specifically refers to a supply of food or sustenance..

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alimento

ah-lee-MEN-toh/a.liˈmen.to/

nounA1general
Use 'alimento' when 'provision' specifically refers to a supply of food or sustenance.
A colorful bowl overflowing with various fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and grapes, symbolizing general food.

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.

suministro

/soo-mee-NEES-troh//sumiˈnistɾo/

nounB1general
Use 'suministro' for the act or process of providing or supplying necessary goods, services, or equipment.
A steady stream of clear water flowing from a modern faucet into a glass.

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).

medida

meh-DEE-dah/meˈðiða/

nounB1general
Choose 'medida' when 'provision' refers to a formal rule, step, or requirement put in place, often by a government or organization.
A stylized figure wearing a blue uniform is seen placing a small red barrier post firmly onto a grassy patch, symbolizing official action.

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.

disposición

nounC1formal
Use 'disposición' for a formal rule, regulation, or legal order, especially one that is officially stated.

Examples

La nueva disposición del ministerio afecta a todos los trabajadores.

The ministry's new ruling affects all workers.

dispositivo

dis-poh-see-TEE-voh/disposiˈtiβo/

nounC1legal
Opt for 'dispositivo' when 'provision' specifically denotes a clause within a legal text or an administrative arrangement.
A stylized, official-looking red wax seal being pressed onto a rolled-up parchment scroll by a hand, symbolizing a legal provision.

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.

Rules vs. Supplies

Learners often confuse 'medida', 'disposición', and 'dispositivo' with 'suministro'. Remember that 'suministro' always refers to the act of providing goods or services, while the others refer to rules, regulations, or clauses.

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