配給

• Reading: はいきゅう
• Romaji: haikyuu
• Kanji breakdown: 配 (hai) — distribute, deliver; 給 (kyuu) — supply, provide
• Pronunciation: /hai.kʲɯː/

Meaning

Distribution; rationing. The organised supply of goods, food, or film to recipients.

A noun and suru-verb with two main uses. First, the distribution or rationing of essential goods, especially associated with wartime rationing (配給制度, rationing system). Second, film distribution — 映画配給会社 (film distribution company) is standard industry terminology. Common collocations include 食料を配給する (to distribute food), 配給制 (rationing system), and 配給元 (distributor).

Examples

1. 災害時に被災者へ食料が配給された。 Food was distributed to disaster victims during the emergency.
2. その映画は大手の配給会社が扱っている。 That film is handled by a major distribution company.
3. 戦時中は米や砂糖が配給制だった。 During wartime, rice and sugar were rationed.

Usage Guide

Context: disaster relief, film industry, history, logistics

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 配 (hai, distribute/deliver) + 給 (kyuu, supply/provide). Both kanji relate to providing something to others, creating a compound meaning organised distribution.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-war

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal