Inklingo

How to Say "supply" in Spanish

English → Spanish

oferta

oh-FEHR-tah/oˈfeɾta/

nounC1economic
Use 'oferta' when talking about the amount of goods or services available in an economic context, like in the phrase 'supply and demand'.
A tall, rustic wooden shelf is completely filled and overflowing with many identical jars of honey stacked high, representing an abundant supply of goods.

Examples

La oferta de viviendas ha aumentado este trimestre.

The supply of housing has increased this quarter.

La oferta y la demanda determinan el precio del producto.

Supply and demand determine the price of the product.

Si la oferta excede la demanda, los precios bajan.

If supply exceeds demand, prices fall.

reserva

reh-SEHR-vah/reˈseɾ.βa/

nounB1general
Use 'reserva' for a quantity of something that is kept aside or stored for future use, often in case of need or emergency.
A large, sturdy wooden chest overflowing with shining gold coins and stacked money bags, representing a financial stock or reserve.

Examples

Tenemos una reserva de alimentos no perecederos.

We have a supply of non-perishable food.

Debemos mantener una reserva de agua potable en caso de emergencia.

We must maintain a reserve of drinking water in case of an emergency.

El banco tiene grandes reservas de oro.

The bank has large reserves of gold.

Plural Usage

When talking about large amounts of stored resources, 'reserva' is often used in the plural: 'reservas'.

suministro

/soo-mee-NEES-troh//sumiˈnistɾo/

nounB1utilities
Use 'suministro' specifically for the provision of essential utilities like water, gas, electricity, or even information.
A steady stream of clear water flowing from a modern faucet into a glass.

Examples

El corte de suministro eléctrico duró varias horas.

The electricity supply interruption lasted several hours.

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).

Choosing between 'oferta' and 'suministro'

Learners often confuse 'oferta' and 'suministro'. Remember that 'oferta' relates to goods and services in the market (economics), while 'suministro' is for essential utilities like water, gas, and electricity.

Related Translations

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