供给

• Pinyin: gōng jǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 供 = 亻 (person) + 共 (together), meaning to provide; 给 = 纟 (silk) + 合, meaning to give

Meaning

To supply; to provide; supply. Making goods or services available.

A formal/economic term: 供给侧 (supply side), 供给与需求 (supply and demand), 能源供给 (energy supply), 电力供给 (power supply). More formal than 提供 or 供应. Often appears in economic policy discussions, especially 供给侧改革 (supply-side reform).

Examples

1. 政府正在推进供给侧结构性改革，优化产业结构。 The government is advancing supply-side structural reform to optimize the industrial structure.
2. 战争期间，物资供给严重不足，百姓生活艰难。 During the war, material supplies were severely insufficient, and people's lives were difficult.
3. 可再生能源将成为未来电力供给的主要来源。 Renewable energy will become the main source of electricity supply in the future.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, policy, resources

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 供给不足导致价格上涨。(Insufficient supply led to price increases.)
• 确保水电供给稳定。(Ensure stable water and electricity supply.)

Don't Say

• 日常说'供给我一杯水' (In casual speech, use 给 or 提供 — 供给 is too formal for everyday requests)

Origin & History

Compound of 供 (to supply, offer) + 给 (to give). Both characters involve providing or giving, combined for emphasis.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal