補給

• Reading: ほきゅう
• Romaji: hokyuu
• Kanji breakdown: 補 (ho) — supplement, repair; 給 (kyuu) — supply, provide
• Pronunciation: /ho.kʲɯː/

Meaning

Supply; replenishment; providing necessary resources or materials.

A noun (and suru verb) for supplying or restocking resources. Used in military (補給線, supply line), sports (水分補給, hydration), and logistics contexts. The verb form 補給する means to resupply. Often paired with 物資 (supplies/materials) or エネルギー (energy).

Examples

1. 運動中はこまめに水分を補給してください。 Please stay hydrated regularly during exercise.
2. 前線への補給が途絶えて部隊は苦しんだ。 The unit struggled after supply lines to the front were cut off.
3. エネルギーを補給するために軽食を取った。 I had a light snack to replenish my energy.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, military, health, logistics

Tone: practical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 補 (ho, to supplement/repair) + 給 (kyuu, to supply/provide). Literally 'to supplement and supply,' describing the act of providing what is needed or lacking.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal