Inklingo

How to Say "to stock" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to stock” is “abastecer” — use 'abastecer' when referring to the act of supplying a store, warehouse, or other establishment with the goods or provisions it needs to operate.

English → Spanish

abastecer

ah-bahs-teh-SEHRaβasteˈθer

verbB1general
Use 'abastecer' when referring to the act of supplying a store, warehouse, or other establishment with the goods or provisions it needs to operate.
A friendly person handing a large crate of fresh red apples and vegetables to another person.

Examples

El repartidor abastece la tienda con productos frescos cada mañana.

The delivery person stocks the store with fresh products every morning.

El camión abastece al supermercado todas las mañanas.

The truck supplies the supermarket every morning.

Es vital abastecer de agua potable a las zonas rurales.

It is vital to provide rural areas with drinking water.

Muchos países intentan abastecerse de energía renovable.

Many countries are trying to supply themselves with renewable energy.

The 'ZC' Spelling Change

When you say 'I supply' in the present tense, the 'c' changes to 'zc' (abastezco) to keep the sound consistent. This happens in the 'yo' form and in all 'special forms' used for wishes or commands.

Using 'A' and 'De'

To say who you are supplying, use 'a' (Abastecer a la ciudad). To say what you are supplying, use 'de' (Abastecer de agua).

The Wrong 'I' Form

Mistake: “Yo abasteco.”

Correction: Yo abastezco. Because the word ends in -ecer, it needs that extra 'z' to sound right when conjugated for 'I' in the present.

llenar

yeh-NAHRʎeˈnaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'llenar' when referring to the action of filling something up, such as shelves, a pantry, or a container, with items.
A hand pouring water from a pitcher into a clear glass jar until the jar is completely full, with the water reaching the brim.

Examples

Por favor, llena la nevera con las compras del supermercado.

Please, stock the fridge with the groceries from the supermarket.

Necesitas llenar el tanque de gasolina antes de viajar.

You need to fill the gas tank before traveling.

La camarera llenó mi taza de café otra vez.

The waitress filled my coffee cup again.

Vamos a llenar la piscina con agua de la manguera.

We are going to fill the pool with water from the hose.

Simple Regular Verb

This is a regular -AR verb, making its conjugation very predictable. Just follow the standard pattern for all tenses!

Confusing 'Llenar' and 'Llevar'

Mistake: “Using 'llevar' (to take/carry) when you mean 'llenar' (to fill).”

Correction: Remember the 'n' in 'llenar' sounds like 'in' in 'inundate' (to flood/fill up). Use 'Llené el cubo' (I filled the bucket).

Abastecer vs. Llenar

Learners often confuse 'abastecer' and 'llenar' by using 'llenar' for the broader concept of supplying a business. Remember, 'abastecer' is about replenishing a stock for commercial purposes, while 'llenar' is simply about filling a space or container.

Related Translations

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