物資

• Reading: ぶっし
• Romaji: busshi
• Kanji breakdown: 物 (butsu) — thing, object; 資 (shi) — resources, assets, capital
• Pronunciation: /bɯs.ɕi/

Meaning

Supplies; goods; materials; resources. Physical items needed for a particular purpose.

A noun for tangible goods and materials, especially those needed in emergencies, military operations, or for basic needs. Frequently appears in disaster relief and wartime contexts. Common collocations include 救援物資 (kyuuen busshi, relief supplies), 物資を届ける (busshi wo todokeru, deliver supplies), 物資が不足する (busshi ga fusoku suru, supplies run short), and 生活物資 (seikatsu busshi, daily necessities).

Examples

1. 被災地に救援物資が届けられた。 Relief supplies were delivered to the disaster-stricken area.
2. 戦時中は物資が極端に不足していた。 During wartime, supplies were in extremely short supply.
3. ボランティアが集めた物資をトラックで運んだ。 Volunteers transported the collected supplies by truck.

Usage Guide

Context: disaster relief, logistics, news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 物 (butsu, things/objects) + 資 (shi, resources/assets). Literally 'material resources' — tangible goods needed for sustaining life or operations.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal