How to Say "supply" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “supply” is “suministro” — use this word when referring to the provision of essential resources like water, gas, or electricity that are delivered to homes or businesses.
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).
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.
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.
Misgendering the word
Mistake: “el provisión”
Correction: la provisión (because words ending in -sión are feminine).
reserva
reh-SEHR-vahreˈseɾ.βa
Examples
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'.
abastecimiento
ah-bah-stay-see-mee-en-tohaβastesiˈmjento
Examples
El abastecimiento de agua es fundamental para la ciudad.
The water supply is fundamental for the city.
Hubo problemas con el abastecimiento de alimentos por la nieve.
There were problems with the food supply because of the snow.
La empresa busca mejorar su cadena de abastecimiento global.
The company seeks to improve its global supply chain.
Nouns ending in -miento
Words that end in '-miento' are almost always masculine. They usually describe the result of an action. In this case, it comes from the verb 'abastecer' (to supply).
Using 'de' for what is being supplied
To specify what is being provided, simply use 'de' plus the item, like 'abastecimiento de luz' (electricity supply).
Gender confusion
Mistake: “La abastecimiento es importante.”
Correction: El abastecimiento es importante. Remember that words ending in -miento are masculine.
dotación
doh-tah-thyondotaˈθjon
Examples
El laboratorio cuenta con una dotación moderna de microscopios.
The laboratory has a modern set of microscopes.
Cada soldado recibió su dotación reglamentaria.
Each soldier received his standard-issue gear.
La escuela necesita una mayor dotación de libros.
The school needs a larger supply of books.
Countable vs Uncountable
In this sense, 'dotación' refers to the whole set of things together. It is usually used in the singular to describe the entire collection of equipment.
Don't use it for small personal items
Mistake: “Saying 'mi dotación de lápices' for your personal pencil case.”
Correction: Use 'mis materiales' or 'mis cosas'. 'Dotación' implies an official or formal allocation of supplies.
oferta
oh-FEHR-tahoˈfeɾta
Examples
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.
Suministro vs. Provisión/Reserva
Related Translations
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