How to Say "to furnish" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to furnish” is “proveer” — use 'proveer' when you are supplying someone or something with items or necessities they need, like amenities in a hotel or food for a group..
proveer
/pro-beh-EHR//pɾoβeˈeɾ/
Examples
El servicio de habitaciones provee comida a los huéspedes las 24 horas.
Room service provides food to guests 24 hours a day.
El hotel provee toallas y jabón a todos sus huéspedes.
The hotel provides towels and soap to all its guests.
Es responsabilidad del estado proveer de agua potable a la población.
It is the state's responsibility to provide the population with drinking water.
La empresa nos proveyó de todo el equipo necesario para el trabajo.
The company supplied us with all the necessary equipment for the job.
Using the preposition 'de'
In English, we say 'provide WITH.' In Spanish, we use 'de' (of). For example: 'Nos proveen DE comida' (They provide us with food).
The Y-Spelling Rule
When 'i' falls between two vowels in the past tense or the -ing form, it changes to 'y' to keep the sound clear (proveyó, proveyendo).
Using 'con' instead of 'de'
Mistake: “Me proveyeron con los libros.”
Correction: Me proveyeron de los libros. (Spanish requires 'de' when mentioning what is being supplied).
equipar
/eh-kee-par//ekiˈpaɾ/
Examples
Tenemos que equipar la nueva oficina con escritorios y computadoras.
We have to equip the new office with desks and computers.
Necesitamos equipar la cocina con electrodomésticos modernos.
We need to equip the kitchen with modern appliances.
El gimnasio está muy bien equipado para los atletas.
The gym is very well equipped for the athletes.
Equiparon al ejército con nueva tecnología de comunicación.
They equipped the army with new communication technology.
Using 'con'
When you want to say what you are equipping something with, always use the word 'con' (with). Example: 'Equipar con herramientas' (To equip with tools).
The Passive Use
You will often see this word as 'estar equipado' (to be equipped). In this case, the ending changes to match the gender and number of what you are describing (equipado/equipada/equipados/equipadas).
Missing 'con'
Mistake: “Equipar la oficina herramientas.”
Correction: Equipar la oficina con herramientas. In Spanish, you must include 'con' to show what is being added.
suministrar
/soo-mee-nees-trar//suminisˈtɾaɾ/
Examples
La compañía eléctrica suministra energía a miles de hogares.
The electric company supplies energy to thousands of homes.
La empresa suministra electricidad a toda la región.
The company supplies electricity to the entire region.
Es necesario suministrar agua potable a las zonas afectadas.
It is necessary to provide drinking water to the affected areas.
Deben suministrar todas las pruebas antes del juicio.
They must furnish all the evidence before the trial.
Using 'a' for Recipients
When you mention who is receiving the supply, always use the word 'a' before the person or group: 'Suministran comida a los refugios'.
Direct Supply
Unlike English where you 'supply someone with something,' in Spanish, you 'supply the thing' (direct) 'to the person' (indirect).
Don't use 'con'
Mistake: “Suministrar la ciudad con agua.”
Correction: Suministrar agua a la ciudad. In Spanish, the thing being provided is the main object, not the person.
Distinguishing 'proveer' and 'equipar'
Related Translations
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