A supplier is an entity that provides goods or services to another entity.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Entity providing goods or services.
- Crucial part of the supply chain.
- Can be a company or individual.
Overview
“供应商”是一个在商业和日常生活中都非常常见的词汇，指的是提供商品或服务的实体。它可以是公司、制造商、分销商，甚至是个人。供应商的角色是满足客户（通常是其他企业或最终消费者）的需求，通过提供他们所需的原材料、零部件、成品或服务。
这个词通常用在描述商业交易、采购流程、供应链管理以及合作关系等场景中。例如，公司会寻找可靠的供应商来获取生产所需的材料，或者消费者可能会选择某个供应商来购买特定的产品或服务。在谈论成本、质量、交货时间时，供应商是必不可少的一个讨论对象。
合同谈判：与供应商就价格、质量、交货条款等进行谈判。
“供货商”和“供应商”在很多情况下可以互换使用，都指提供货物的实体。但“供应商”的范围更广，不仅包括提供货物的，也包括提供服务的，而“供货商”侧重于“货”的提供。
“服务商”特指提供服务的公司或个人，如软件服务商、咨询服务商等。它与“供应商”相比，更强调“服务”的属性，而“供应商”则可以涵盖商品和服务。
“生产商”特指自己制造产品或商品的厂家，是供应链的上游。供应商可能是生产商，也可能是分销商或贸易商，他们从生产商那里进货再卖给别人。
Examples
我们需要找到一个可靠的电脑配件供应商。
everydayWe need to find a reliable supplier for computer parts.
本公司与多家国际知名企业建立了长期稳定的供应商合作关系。
formalOur company has established long-term and stable supplier relationships with several internationally renowned enterprises.
这家小店的货品都是从批发市场的老板那里拿的，老板就是他的供应商。
informalThis small shop gets its goods from the boss at the wholesale market; the boss is its supplier.
研究表明，多元化的供应商基础能够有效降低供应链中断的风险。
academicResearch indicates that a diversified supplier base can effectively mitigate the risks of supply chain disruptions.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
供应商评估
supplier evaluation
供应商准入
supplier onboarding
供应商关系管理
supplier relationship management (SRM)
Often Confused With
A '客户' (customer) is the entity that *buys* goods or services, whereas a '供应商' (gōngyìngshāng) is the entity that *sells* or *provides* them.
A '分销商' (distributor) is a specific type of supplier that buys products from manufacturers and resells them. Not all suppliers are distributors; some might be manufacturers themselves or service providers.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '供应商' is widely used in both formal and informal business contexts. It's a neutral term that clearly identifies the role of providing goods or services. When discussing business operations, procurement, or supply chains, this word is essential.
Common Mistakes
Learners might sometimes confuse '供应商' (supplier) with '客户' (customer) or '竞争对手' (competitor). It's important to remember that a supplier is on the selling side of a transaction, providing what is needed.
Tips
Think of them as partners
Suppliers are often business partners. Building good relationships can lead to better terms and reliability.
Don't rely on a single supplier
Over-reliance on one supplier can be risky. Consider having backup options to ensure business continuity.
Guanxi in China
In Chinese business culture, strong relationships ('guanxi') with suppliers can be very important for smooth operations and trust.
Word Origin
The word '供应商' is composed of '供应' (gōngyìng), meaning 'to supply', and '商' (shāng), meaning 'merchant' or 'business'. It literally translates to a 'supplying merchant' or 'supplying business'.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, including Chinese culture, building and maintaining good relationships with suppliers is highly valued. This involves trust, reliability, and often, mutual benefit. Strong 'guanxi' (relationships) can significantly impact business success.
Memory Tip
Think of '供应' (supply) and '商' (business/merchant). A '供应商' is a merchant who supplies things. Imagine a shopkeeper ('商') supplying goods ('供应').
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“供应商”的含义比“供货商”更广泛。“供货商”通常指提供具体“货物”的，而“供应商”不仅包括提供货物的，也包括提供服务的公司或个人。
任何能够提供商品或服务的组织都可以是供应商，包括制造商、分销商、零售商、贸易公司，甚至是个体经营者或自由职业者。
选择合适的供应商对于保证产品质量、控制成本、按时交付以及维护企业声誉至关重要。不良的供应商可能导致生产延误、质量问题和客户不满。
是的，我们每天都在接触供应商。例如，你从超市买东西，超市就是你从它那里购买商品的供应商；你使用的电力公司，也是你获得电力服务的供应商。
Test Yourself
这家公司正在寻找新的___，以降低生产成本。
句子描述的是降低生产成本，需要寻找提供原材料或零部件的实体，因此“供应商”最合适。
以下哪个选项最能描述“供应商”的角色？
供应商的核心职能是提供商品或服务给其他方。
请用“供应商”和“合作”来组成一个句子。
这个句子完整且符合逻辑，表达了与供应商建立良好关系这一常见商业场景。
Score: /3
Summary
A supplier is an entity that provides goods or services to another entity.
- Entity providing goods or services.
- Crucial part of the supply chain.
- Can be a company or individual.
Think of them as partners
Suppliers are often business partners. Building good relationships can lead to better terms and reliability.
Don't rely on a single supplier
Over-reliance on one supplier can be risky. Consider having backup options to ensure business continuity.
Guanxi in China
In Chinese business culture, strong relationships ('guanxi') with suppliers can be very important for smooth operations and trust.
Examples
4 of 4我们需要找到一个可靠的电脑配件供应商。
We need to find a reliable supplier for computer parts.
本公司与多家国际知名企业建立了长期稳定的供应商合作关系。
Our company has established long-term and stable supplier relationships with several internationally renowned enterprises.
这家小店的货品都是从批发市场的老板那里拿的，老板就是他的供应商。
This small shop gets its goods from the boss at the wholesale market; the boss is its supplier.
研究表明，多元化的供应商基础能够有效降低供应链中断的风险。
Research indicates that a diversified supplier base can effectively mitigate the risks of supply chain disruptions.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
Inventory; stock; the quantity of goods or materials on hand...
销售Sales; marketing.
采购purchasing, procurement
物流The detailed coordination of a complex operation involving m...
供应To provide or make available something that is needed or wan...
合同A written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning emp...
More business words
本事
A2Skill; ability; capability.
相应地
B1Correspondingly.
账号
A2account (e.g., bank, online)
会计
A2accounting, accountant
客户经理
A2account manager
账户
B1A record of financial transactions for an individual or business, usually at a bank; or a user profile for a digital service.
收购
B1To purchase; to acquire (a company).
商业活动
A2Business activity.
广告费
A2Advertising expenses.
调整
B1To change something slightly in order to make it more correct, effective, or suitable.
