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How to Say "provisions" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “provisions” is “alimentos” — use this word when referring specifically to food items as a supply, especially fresh food needed for consumption.

English → Spanish

alimentos

ah-lee-MEN-tohsaliˈmentos

nounA1general
Use this word when referring specifically to food items as a supply, especially fresh food needed for consumption.
A colorful, simple illustration showing a woven basket overflowing with various types of food, including bright red apples, yellow bananas, orange carrots, and a rustic loaf of bread.

Examples

Necesitamos comprar más alimentos frescos para la semana.

We need to buy more fresh food for the week.

La escasez de alimentos en la región es una crisis grave.

The food shortage in the region is a serious crisis.

Las etiquetas nutricionales detallan los componentes de los alimentos procesados.

The nutritional labels detail the components of processed foods.

Always Masculine Plural

Even though it refers to many different kinds of food, 'alimentos' is always treated as a masculine plural noun. Use 'los' or 'unos' with it.

Confusing 'alimentos' and 'comida'

Mistake: “Using 'alimentos' to mean a specific meal, like 'Vamos a comer alimentos.'”

Correction: Use 'comida' (meal) or 'almuerzo' (lunch) for specific eating events. 'Alimentos' refers to the substance or category of food itself.

comestible

ko-mes-TEE-blaykomesˈtiβle

nounB1general
Use this when talking about food supplies in a general sense, often found in a store context like a grocery store.
A basket filled with various fresh vegetables and a loaf of bread.

Examples

Fuimos a la tienda de comestibles.

We went to the grocery store.

El precio de los comestibles ha subido mucho este año.

The price of groceries has gone up a lot this year.

Llevamos suficientes comestibles para acampar tres días.

We brought enough provisions to camp for three days.

Strength in Numbers

While it can be singular, you will almost always see this word in its plural form 'comestibles' when referring to food supplies or shopping.

Don't Forget the 'S'

Mistake: “Saying 'Compré un comestible'.”

Correction: Say 'Compré comestibles'. Just like 'groceries' in English, we usually talk about them as a group.

provisiones

pro-bee-syon-espɾoβiˈsjones

nounB1formal
This is a more formal term for stockpiled goods or supplies, often implying a reserve for a specific purpose or duration.
A collection of essential goods including a loaf of bread, a bottle of water, a few apples, and a small wooden crate.

Examples

Compramos suficientes provisiones para pasar una semana en la montaña.

We bought enough supplies to spend a week in the mountains.

Antes de la tormenta, la gente agotó las provisiones en el supermercado.

Before the storm, people ran out of supplies in the supermarket.

El barco lleva provisiones de agua y comida para tres meses.

The ship carries water and food provisions for three months.

Always Plural?

While 'provisión' exists in the singular, you will almost always hear this word in its plural form, 'provisiones,' when referring to a collection of food or gear.

Provision vs. Provisioning

Mistake: “Using 'provisiones' to mean the act of providing.”

Correction: Use 'abastecimiento' for the act of providing, and 'provisiones' for the actual items (the food/water) themselves.

suministros

soo-mee-NEES-trohssumiˈnistros

nounB1general
Use this for general supplies, especially essential items like food, medicine, or equipment, particularly in situations of need or emergency.
A simple wooden storage crate is shown, filled to the brim with various essential resources like food cans, rope, and medical supplies.

Examples

Se agotaron los suministros médicos después del huracán.

The medical supplies ran out after the hurricane.

Necesitamos comprar más suministros de oficina, como papel y bolígrafos.

We need to buy more office supplies, like paper and pens.

La empresa gestiona la cadena de suministros para reducir costos.

The company manages the supply chain to reduce costs.

Always Plural in This Context

When talking about the general collection of needed items (like 'office supplies' or 'medical supplies'), Spanish almost always uses the plural form, 'los suministros'.

Related Verb

The noun comes from the verb 'suministrar,' which means 'to provide' or 'to supply.' This helps you remember that 'suministros' are the things being provided.

Confusing Singular/Plural

Mistake: “Using 'el suministro' when you mean 'the supplies' (a collection of things).”

Correction: Use 'los suministros' to talk about a collection of goods. 'El suministro' (singular) usually refers to the *act* of supplying or a single utility, like 'the electricity supply'.

condiciones

kon-dee-SYOH-nes/kon.diˈθjo.nes/ (Spain), /kon.diˈsjo.nes/ (Latin America)

nounA2legal
This word translates to 'terms' or 'conditions' and is used in a legal or contractual context, not for physical goods.
Two stylized hands clasping in a handshake over a small, rolled-up document scroll tied with a ribbon, symbolizing a contract or agreement.

Examples

Antes de comprar, lee las condiciones del servicio.

Before buying, read the terms of service.

Aceptamos las condiciones del contrato.

We accept the conditions of the contract.

Una de las condiciones para el préstamo es tener un buen historial crediticio.

One of the requirements for the loan is having a good credit history.

Always Plural

When referring to rules or terms, 'condiciones' is almost always used in the plural, even if English might use the singular 'condition' in some contexts.

Using the Singular for Rules

Mistake: “No entiendo la condición.”

Correction: No entiendo las condiciones. (Use the plural when referring to the full set of rules.)

Confusing Food vs. General Supplies

Learners often use 'alimentos' or 'comestibles' for any kind of supply, but these specifically refer to food. For non-food items or a mix, 'provisiones' or 'suministros' are usually better choices. 'Provisiones' often implies stockpiling, while 'suministros' is more general for essential items.

Related Translations

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