In 15 Seconds
- Refers to the formal supply of goods or resources.
- Commonly used in business, economics, and logistics contexts.
- Implies a steady, necessary flow rather than a one-time gift.
Meaning
It describes the act of providing or supplying goods, services, or resources to meet a specific demand. Think of it as the 'supply' side of the supply-and-demand equation in both business and daily life.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing city infrastructure
这座城市的水电供给非常稳定。
The water and electricity supply of this city is very stable.
Talking about a local market
这里的蔬菜供给充足。
The vegetable supply here is sufficient.
A formal business meeting
我们需要保证原材料的供给。
We need to ensure the supply of raw materials.
Cultural Background
The term is deeply rooted in China's transition from a planned economy to a market economy. In the past, the 'Supply and Marketing Cooperatives' (供销社) were the only way people got goods. Today, it is a buzzword in high-level economic discussions regarding 'Supply-Side Structural Reform.'
Pronunciation Trick
In `供给`, the character `给` is pronounced 'jǐ' (3rd tone), not the common 'gěi'. Using the correct 'jǐ' makes you sound like a pro.
Don't be too stiff
Avoid using this when asking a waiter for a napkin. Use `给` or `拿` instead, or you'll sound like a robot from a sci-fi movie.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to the formal supply of goods or resources.
- Commonly used in business, economics, and logistics contexts.
- Implies a steady, necessary flow rather than a one-time gift.
What It Means
供给 is all about the flow of resources. It means to provide what is needed. It covers everything from electricity to food. It is the backbone of how systems stay running. Imagine a tap being turned on. That flow of water is the 供给.
How To Use It
Use it when discussing resources or logistics. You usually place the provider first. Then use 供给 followed by the recipient or the item. For example, 'The farm 供给 vegetables to the city.' It sounds a bit more serious than just 'giving.' It implies a steady or necessary stream of items.
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings or news reports. It is perfect for talking about the economy. Use it when discussing energy, like power or gas. It works well when talking about historical logistics too. If you are writing a report, this is your go-to word. It makes you sound organized and knowledgeable.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small personal gifts. If you give a friend a coffee, don't say 供给. That sounds like you are a commercial distributor. Avoid it in very casual, emotional heart-to-hearts. It is a 'functional' word, not a 'feeling' word. Using it for a birthday present would be quite weird and robotic.
Cultural Background
In China, the concept of 供给 is tied to the 'Supply-Side Reform.' This is a major economic policy you will hear on the news. Historically, managing the 供给 of grain was the government's top priority. It represents stability and the state's care for the people's basic needs. It is a word that carries the weight of responsibility.
Common Variations
In daily speech, people often use 提供. 提供 is more flexible and common for general 'providing.' 供给 is more technical and formal. You might also hear 供需, which means 'supply and demand.' If you want to sound like an economist, use 供给. If you just want to help a friend, stick to 提供.
Usage Notes
This is a formal term. The most common mistake is mispronouncing 'jǐ' as 'gěi'. Use it primarily in professional, economic, or technical contexts.
Pronunciation Trick
In `供给`, the character `给` is pronounced 'jǐ' (3rd tone), not the common 'gěi'. Using the correct 'jǐ' makes you sound like a pro.
Don't be too stiff
Avoid using this when asking a waiter for a napkin. Use `给` or `拿` instead, or you'll sound like a robot from a sci-fi movie.
The 'Supply' Buzzword
If you watch Chinese news, you'll hear '供给侧' (supply-side) constantly. It's the key to understanding modern Chinese economic discourse.
Examples
6这座城市的水电供给非常稳定。
The water and electricity supply of this city is very stable.
Standard use for public utilities.
这里的蔬菜供给充足。
The vegetable supply here is sufficient.
Used to describe the availability of goods.
我们需要保证原材料的供给。
We need to ensure the supply of raw materials.
Focuses on logistics and production.
氧气供给系统出问题了，快来看看！
There's a problem with the oxygen supply system, come take a look!
Technical context in a fast-paced situation.
只要零食供给不断，他就能一直工作。
As long as the snack supply is constant, he can work forever.
Using a formal word for a silly situation creates humor.
救援人员正在努力恢复食物和水的供给。
Rescuers are working hard to restore the supply of food and water.
Serious context regarding essential needs.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to describe the city's power supply.
由于天气原因，城市的电力___受到了影响。
`供给` is the standard term for utility supplies like electricity.
Complete the sentence about market economics.
市场上这种产品的___大于需求。
In economics, 'supply and demand' is expressed as `供给与需求`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Giving'
Giving a small gift to a friend.
给 (gěi)
Providing a service or help.
提供 (tígōng)
Large scale supply of resources.
供给 (gōngjǐ)
Where to use 供给
Power Grid
Electricity supply
Logistics
Material supply
Economics
Supply and demand
Emergency
Food/Water supply
Practice Bank
2 exercises由于天气原因，城市的电力___受到了影响。
`供给` is the standard term for utility supplies like electricity.
市场上这种产品的___大于需求。
In economics, 'supply and demand' is expressed as `供给与需求`.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means to supply or provide resources, usually on a large or official scale, like 电力供给 (electricity supply).
In this specific word, 给 is pronounced 'jǐ'. It is different from the usual 'gěi' used in 给我 (give me).
No, that would be very strange. Use 送 (sòng) or 给 (gěi) for gifts. 供给 is for resources and commodities.
Yes, very often. It's used for supply chains, raw materials, and market supply, such as 原材料供给.
提供 is more common and can be used for help or information. 供给 is more formal and usually refers to physical resources or economic supply.
It can be both. You can say 供给食物 (to supply food) or 食物的供给 (the supply of food).
Only if you are talking about something serious like the city's water supply or a major shortage. It's not for 'pass the salt' moments.
Yes, it maps almost perfectly to the formal English word 'supply' in an economic or logistical sense.
No, for an answer or information, use 提供 (tígōng). 供给 is almost always for tangible resources or energy.
It is 供给与需求 (gōngjǐ yǔ xūqiú), often shortened to 供需 (gōngxū).
Related Phrases
提供 (tígōng) - To provide/offer
需求 (xūqiú) - Demand/requirement
供应链 (gōngyìngliàn) - Supply chain
供应 (gōngyìng) - To supply (very similar, slightly more common)
