Inklingo

How to Say "supplier" in Spanish

English → Spanish

proveedor

/pro-beh-eh-DOR//pɾoβeeˈðoɾ/

nounB1general
Use 'proveedor' when referring to a person or company that generally provides goods or services, especially in a business-to-business context.
A friendly delivery person handing a large cardboard box to a shop owner at the door of a small bakery.

Examples

Necesitamos un nuevo proveedor de café para la oficina.

We need a new coffee supplier for the office.

El proveedor entregará los materiales mañana por la mañana.

The supplier will deliver the materials tomorrow morning.

Estamos comparando precios entre varios proveedores locales.

We are comparing prices between several local suppliers.

The -dor Ending

The ending '-dor' is like '-er' in English (think 'worker' or 'teacher'). It changes a verb into the person who does that action. Since 'proveer' means to provide, a 'proveedor' is a provider.

Making it Feminine

If the supplier is a woman or a feminine entity, just add an 'a' at the end: 'la proveedora'.

Using 'Provider' Spelling

Mistake: “proveyer”

Correction: proveedor (noun) or proveer (verb)

distribuidor

/dees-tree-bwee-DOR//distriβwiˈðor/

nounB1general
Choose 'distribuidor' when the supplier's role is specifically to distribute products, often acting as an exclusive agent for a brand or manufacturer.
A delivery person in a bright uniform handing a stack of cardboard boxes to a shopkeeper in front of a small grocery store.

Examples

Somos el distribuidor exclusivo de esta marca en España.

We are the exclusive distributor of this brand in Spain.

El distribuidor de cine lanzó la película en cien salas.

The film distributor released the movie in a hundred theaters.

Contactamos con un distribuidor local para reducir los costos de envío.

We contacted a local supplier to reduce shipping costs.

People and Gender

When referring to a man or a company, use 'el distribuidor'. If you are specifically talking about a woman who distributes, use 'la distribuidora'.

The '-dor' Ending

The ending '-dor' is like the English '-er' in 'worker.' It tells you that this is the person or thing performing the action of 'distribuir' (to distribute).

Distributor vs. Delivery Person

Mistake: “Using 'distribuidor' for the person delivering your pizza.”

Correction: Use 'repartidor' for the person making local deliveries to your door. 'Distribuidor' usually refers to the larger business or the person managing large-scale supply.

Proveedor vs. Distribuidor

Learners often use 'proveedor' for all types of suppliers. Remember that 'distribuidor' is more specific, implying a role in the chain of distribution for a particular product or brand, rather than just supplying goods or services generally.

Related Translations

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