供应 in 30 Seconds
- 供应 means to supply or provide goods/services.
- Commonly used for utilities like water and electricity.
- Essential in business contexts (suppliers, supply chains).
- Often paired with 'demand' (需求) in economic discussions.
At its core, 供应 (gōngyìng) represents the act of making resources, goods, or services available to meet a specific demand. In the Chinese linguistic landscape, it functions primarily as a verb but can also act as a noun depending on the context. It implies a systematic or continuous flow of items from a source to a recipient. Unlike simple giving, 供应 suggests a professional, commercial, or logistical framework. Imagine a city's water system or a supermarket's inventory; these are classic examples of 供应 in action. The word is composed of two characters: 供 (gōng), meaning to provide or support, and 应 (yìng), which in this context relates to responding to a need or demand. Together, they form a powerful concept of 'supplying in response to necessity.'
- Commercial Context
- In business, it refers to the supply chain (供应链). It covers everything from raw materials to finished products on shelves. When a company says they 供应 the market, they are fulfilling the consumer's requirements.
- Public Utilities
- Essential services like electricity (供电), water (供水), and heating (供暖) use this term. It implies a public responsibility to ensure these resources are never interrupted.
- Daily Life
- You might see it at a school cafeteria or a hotel breakfast buffet. If they '供应早餐' (supply breakfast), it means they have prepared food ready for you to consume within a specific timeframe.
这家超市供应新鲜的蔬菜和水果。(This supermarket supplies fresh vegetables and fruits.)
由于干旱，城市的用水供应受到了限制。(Due to the drought, the city's water supply has been restricted.)
我们公司长期供应高质量的电子配件。(Our company has long supplied high-quality electronic components.)
Furthermore, 供应 is central to economic discussions. The relationship between 'Supply and Demand' is translated as 供应与需求 (often shortened to 供需). When supply exceeds demand, we call it 供过于求; when demand exceeds supply, it is 供不应求. These four-character idioms are essential for anyone discussing trade or economics in Chinese. Understanding 供应 is not just about learning a verb; it's about understanding how resources move through society. Whether it's the 供应 of energy to a factory or the 供应 of books to a library, the word implies a steady, reliable, and necessary transfer of value.
Using 供应 (gōngyìng) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It functions as a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object—the thing being supplied. However, it can also be modified by adverbs to describe the nature of the supply (e.g., 'continuously,' 'insufficiently').
1. Basic Sentence Structure
The most common pattern is: [Subject] + 供应 + [Object]. The subject is usually a provider (company, government, nature), and the object is the resource.
Pattern: [Provider] + 供应 + [Resource]
学校食堂供应午餐。(The school canteen supplies lunch.)
2. As a Noun
供应 can act as a noun, often appearing in phrases like 'supply chain' or 'market supply'. In these cases, it is often modified by another noun.
- 市场供应 (Shìchǎng gōngyìng)
- Market supply
- 电力供应 (Diànlì gōngyìng)
- Electricity supply
3. Modifying with Adverbs
To describe how something is supplied, use adverbs like 充足 (chōngzú - sufficient), 稳定 (wěndìng - stable), or 及时 (jíshí - timely).
4. Idiomatic Economic Usage
In economics, 供应 is paired with 需求 (xūqiú - demand). You will frequently encounter these structures:
- 供不应求 (gōng bù yìng qiú): Supply fails to meet demand (very popular).
- 供过于求 (gōng guò yú qiú): Supply exceeds demand.
When using 供应 in a professional setting, ensure you are referring to a systematic provision. For instance, if you give a friend a pen, don't use 供应; use 给 (gěi). If your company provides pens to all employees every month, then 供应 is appropriate.
The word 供应 (gōngyìng) is ubiquitous in Chinese-speaking environments, ranging from the mundane to the highly technical. Recognizing the context helps in grasping the specific nuance intended.
1. In the News (Economics & Logistics)
News anchors and financial analysts use 供应 constantly when discussing global markets, oil prices, or trade wars. You will hear phrases like '全球供应链' (global supply chain) or '能源供应紧张' (energy supply is tight).
"受疫情影响，全球芯片供应出现了短缺。" (Due to the pandemic, there is a shortage in the global chip supply.)
2. In Urban Management
If you live in a Chinese city, you'll see notices from the '供电局' (Power Supply Bureau) or '自来水公司' (Water Company). Announcements about maintenance often use 供应.
3. In the Service Industry
Restaurants, hotels, and cafes use 供应 to indicate what is available on their menu or during specific hours. A sign might say '全天供应' (Available all day).
- 📍 Hotel Lobby: "酒店为客人供应免费咖啡。" (The hotel supplies free coffee for guests.)
- 📍 Menu: "季节性供应" (Seasonally available/supplied).
4. In Manufacturing
Factories and B2B (business-to-business) interactions revolve around 供应. Suppliers are called 供应商 (gōngyìngshāng). This is perhaps the most frequent professional use of the word.
Whether you are listening to a financial podcast, reading a utility bill, or ordering food, 供应 is the standard term for the systematic delivery of goods and services.
Even intermediate learners often stumble when choosing between 供应 (gōngyìng) and its close relatives. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.
1. Confusing 供应 with 提供 (tígōng)
This is the #1 mistake. While both mean 'to provide,' their usage domains differ:
- 供应: Used for tangible resources, goods, or services provided to a group/market (e.g., water, food, electricity, products). Think 'Supply'.
- 提供: Used for abstract things like help, information, opportunities, or specific items provided to an individual (e.g., 提供帮助, 提供信息). Think 'Provide/Offer'.
❌ 我可以供应你一些建议吗？ (Incorrect: Suggestion is abstract)
✅ 我可以提供你一些建议吗？ (Correct)
2. Misusing 供给 (gōngjǐ)
供给 is very similar to 供应 but is much more formal and academic. It is almost exclusively used in economic theory (e.g., 供给侧改革 - Supply-side reform). In daily life or standard business, 供应 is the safer, more natural choice.
3. Incorrect Word Order in 'Supply and Demand'
In English, we say 'Supply and Demand'. In Chinese, the standard order is the same: 供应与需求. However, beginners sometimes try to use 供给 instead of 供应 in casual conversation, which sounds overly stiff.
4. Forgetting the '商' in 'Supplier'
When referring to a person or company that supplies goods, you must add 商 (shāng - merchant/business). Don't just say '他是我们的供应' (He is our supply); say '他是我们的供应商' (He is our supplier).
To master 供应 (gōngyìng), you must understand where it sits in the family of 'providing' words. Here is a breakdown of its synonyms and how they differ.
- 提供 (tígōng)
- Definition: To provide, offer, or furnish.
Difference: Much broader than 供应. It can be used for abstract concepts (help, evidence, ideas) and concrete items. It doesn't imply the 'continuous flow' that 供应 does. - 供给 (gōngjǐ)
- Definition: Supply, provide.
Difference: Highly formal and technical. Used in military logistics (供给线 - supply line) or macroeconomics. In a restaurant, you'd never hear 供给; you'd hear 供应. - 给予 (jǐyǔ)
- Definition: To give, render, or bestow.
Difference: Very formal and often used for abstract things like 'support' or 'attention' (给予支持). It has a literary feel. - 配备 (pèibèi)
- Definition: To equip or allocate.
Difference: Focuses on providing the necessary equipment or personnel for a specific task. For example, '配备了先进的设备' (equipped with advanced equipment).
Quick Comparison Table
| Word | Best For... | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 供应 | Resources/Goods | 供应电力 |
| 提供 | Info/Help/Service | 提供建议 |
| 供给 | Economics/Military | 供给侧 |
| 配备 | Equipment/Staff | 配备电脑 |
By choosing the right word, you signal your level of Chinese proficiency. Use 供应 when you want to sound professional about logistics and resources.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Resultative complements (供应上)
Potential complements (供应不上)
Passive voice with '被' or '受到'
Examples by Level
这家店供应面包。
This shop supplies bread.
Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.
学校供应水。
The school supplies water.
供应 used for basic necessities.
他们供应午饭吗？
Do they supply lunch?
Question form using 吗.
超市供应水果。
The supermarket supplies fruit.
供应 used for retail goods.
这里供应咖啡。
Coffee is supplied here.
Location + 供应 + Item.
餐厅不供应晚餐。
The restaurant doesn't supply dinner.
Negative form using 不.
他们供应好吃的菜。
They supply delicious food.
Adding an adjective to the object.
书店供应课本。
The bookstore supplies textbooks.
供应 used for educational materials.
饭店全天供应热水。
The hotel supplies hot water all day.
Using '全天' (all day) as a time adverb.
这个地区供应电力。
This area supplies electricity.
供应 used for public utilities.
冬天，这里供应暖气。
In winter, heating is supplied here.
Time phrase + Location + 供应 + Object.
我们公司供应办公用品。
Our company supplies office supplies.
供应 in a business context.
这台机器供应氧气。
This machine supplies oxygen.
Technical/Medical supply.
他们为学生供应免费牛奶。
They supply free milk for students.
Using '为...供应' (supply for...).
由于下雨，蔬菜供应减少了。
Due to rain, the vegetable supply decreased.
供应 used as a noun/subject.
商店正在供应打折商品。
The store is supplying discounted goods.
Continuous aspect with '正在'.
我们需要寻找新的供应商。
We need to find a new supplier.
Using the noun '供应商' (supplier).
这种产品在市场上供不应求。
This product's supply falls short of demand in the market.
Using the idiom '供不应求'.
政府保证了粮食的稳定供应。
The government guaranteed a stable supply of grain.
Using '稳定' (stable) to modify the noun '供应'.
由于交通问题，货物供应中断了。
Due to traffic issues, the supply of goods was interrupted.
Using '中断' (interrupted) with supply.
他们长期供应高质量的原材料。
They have long supplied high-quality raw materials.
Using '长期' (long-term) as an adverb.
供应链管理对公司非常重要。
Supply chain management is very important to the company.
Using the term '供应链' (supply chain).
这个水库供应整个城市的用水。
This reservoir supplies water for the entire city.
供应 + [Scope] + 的 + [Object].
超市必须确保食品供应充足。
Supermarkets must ensure an adequate food supply.
Using '充足' (adequate/sufficient).
全球能源供应面临严峻挑战。
Global energy supply faces severe challenges.
Abstract usage in a global context.
市场上的房屋供应量正在增加。
The supply of housing on the market is increasing.
Using '供应量' (supply volume).
为了应对危机，我们必须扩大供应。
To deal with the crisis, we must expand the supply.
Using '扩大' (expand) as a verb for supply.
该协议规定了石油的年度供应量。
The agreement stipulates the annual supply volume of oil.
Formal/Legal context.
技术进步提高了电力供应的效率。
Technological progress has improved the efficiency of power supply.
Complex noun phrase structure.
我们需要评估供应商的资质。
We need to evaluate the supplier's qualifications.
Business terminology '资质' (qualifications).
供需平衡是维持价格稳定的关键。
The balance between supply and demand is key to maintaining price stability.
Using '供需' (supply and demand).
该地区主要依靠进口来供应天然气。
The region mainly relies on imports to supply natural gas.
Using '依靠...来供应' (rely on... to supply).
政府实施了供应侧结构性改革。
The government implemented supply-side structural reform.
Advanced economic policy terminology.
原材料供应的波动直接影响了生产成本。
Fluctuations in the supply of raw materials directly affect production costs.
Causal relationship in a professional context.
建立多元化的供应渠道可以降低风险。
Establishing diversified supply channels can reduce risks.
Strategic business language.
该项目的成功取决于资金的持续供应。
The success of the project depends on the continuous supply of funds.
Using '持续' (continuous) with abstract supply (funds).
我们要防范供应链中断带来的潜在威胁。
We must guard against potential threats caused by supply chain interruptions.
Risk management terminology.
这种罕见病药物的供应受到严格控制。
The supply of this rare disease drug is strictly controlled.
Passive context with '受到'.
城市化进程对水资源供应提出了更高要求。
The process of urbanization has placed higher demands on water resource supply.
Using '对...提出要求'.
我们需要在供应效率与环境保护之间寻找平衡。
We need to find a balance between supply efficiency and environmental protection.
Societal/Philosophical balance.
地缘政治紧张局势加剧了全球粮食供应的不确定性。
Geopolitical tensions have heightened the uncertainty of global food supplies.
High-level political analysis.
该法律框架旨在规范关键基础设施的供应安全。
The legal framework aims to regulate the supply security of critical infrastructure.
Legal/Regulatory language.
这种垄断行为严重扭曲了市场的正常供应机制。
This monopolistic behavior has seriously distorted the market's normal supply mechanism.
Economic critique terminology.
在极端气候条件下，保障电力供应的韧性至关重要。
Under extreme climate conditions, ensuring the resilience of power supply is crucial.
Technical/Scientific resilience '韧性'.
我们需要审视现有的供应模式是否具备可持续性。
We need to examine whether the existing supply models are sustainable.
Evaluative academic language.
供应体系的脆弱性在这次突发事件中暴露无遗。
The vulnerability of the supply system was fully exposed in this sudden incident.
Using the idiom '暴露无遗'.
通过优化算法，我们可以实现供应量的精准匹配。
Through optimization algorithms, we can achieve precise matching of supply volumes.
Technological/Data science context.
该项政策旨在通过税收优惠激励企业的供应创新。
The policy aims to incentivize supply innovation in enterprises through tax incentives.
Policy analysis/Incentive structures.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Central to SCM (Supply Chain Management).
The standard word for water, gas, and electricity provision.
- Using 供应 for personal favors.
- Using 供应 for abstract information.
- Forgetting that 供应 can be a noun.
- Confusing the pronunciation with 'gòng' (4th tone).
- Using 供应 instead of 提供 in 'provide help'.
Tips
Supply Chain
Learn 供应链 (gōngyìngliàn) if you work in business or logistics.
Verb-Object
Always follow 供应 with a concrete resource or service.
Public Service
In China, utility companies are often called 'Supply Bureaus' (e.g., 供电局).
The 'Gong' sound
Think of a gong sounding to open a market where goods are supplied.
Abstract vs Concrete
Concrete = 供应; Abstract = 提供.
Formal Reports
Use 供应量 (supply volume) to sound more professional in reports.
Restaurant Tip
Ask '你们供应早餐吗？' at a hotel for a polite inquiry.
Economic Idioms
Memorize 供不应求 and 供过于求 as a pair.
News Keywords
When you hear '能源' (energy), listen for '供应' immediately after.
Business Partners
Refer to your partners as 供应商 (suppliers) to establish a professional tone.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Cultural Context
In Northern China, '供暖' (heating supply) is a critical seasonal service provided by the state.
During CNY, the government ensures the '供应' of traditional foods to prevent price spikes.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"你们公司主要供应什么产品？"
"这里的自来水供应稳定吗？"
"你觉得现在的芯片供应还会紧张吗？"
"这家餐厅几点开始供应晚餐？"
"如果电力供应中断了，你会怎么办？"
Journal Prompts
描述一下你所在城市的电力和水供应情况。
写一段关于你最喜欢的超市供应的特殊商品。
讨论一下为什么全球供应链对现代生活如此重要。
如果你是一家公司的老板，你会如何选择供应商？
描述一次你遇到某种商品‘供不应求’的经历。
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 供应 implies a systematic or commercial provision. Use 送 (sòng) or 给 (gěi) for gifts.
It can be both. As a verb: 'We supply water.' As a noun: 'The water supply is good.'
It means 'supplier' – a person or company that provides goods.
供应 is used in daily life and business; 供给 is used in formal economics and military contexts.
It is 供应链 (gōngyìngliàn).
No, use 提供建议 (provide suggestions).
It means demand exceeds supply (popular items).
Yes, 供电 (power supply) is a very common contraction.
No, it is strictly for resources and services.
限量供应 (xiànliàng gōngyìng).
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Summary
供应 (gōngyìng) is the professional term for 'supply.' Use it for systematic provision of resources (food, water, energy, products) rather than simple one-to-one giving.
- 供应 means to supply or provide goods/services.
- Commonly used for utilities like water and electricity.
- Essential in business contexts (suppliers, supply chains).
- Often paired with 'demand' (需求) in economic discussions.
Supply Chain
Learn 供应链 (gōngyìngliàn) if you work in business or logistics.
Verb-Object
Always follow 供应 with a concrete resource or service.
Public Service
In China, utility companies are often called 'Supply Bureaus' (e.g., 供电局).
The 'Gong' sound
Think of a gong sounding to open a market where goods are supplied.
Example
这家工厂为全球市场供应电子元件。
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