Translation guide
The English verb "furnish" has two main uses: (1) to supply or provide something, often in a formal context, and (2) to put furniture into a room or building. These meanings require different Japanese expressions.
To give or make available something needed, often formally or officially.
The most common and versatile word for 'provide' or 'supply'. Suitable for both formal and everyday contexts.
To equip a space with furniture such as chairs, tables, beds, etc.
The most natural way to say 'furnish a room'. Literally 'install furniture'. 備え付ける implies fixing or placing furniture in a room.
English 'furnish' in the sense of 'provide' is formal. In Japanese, 提供する is neutral, but using it in very casual situations may sound stiff. For casual contexts, consider あげる or くれる depending on the direction of giving.
提供する is for providing services, information, opportunities, etc. 供給する is for supplying goods, utilities, or resources, often in a systematic way.
The company furnishes its employees with uniforms.
Emphasizes supplying goods or resources, often in bulk or systematically.
The power plant furnishes electricity to the entire region.
Means 'to give'. Can be used for furnishing information, opportunities, etc., but is less formal than 提供する.
He furnished the police with important information.
Used when an organization provides items or allowances to its members, such as a company providing equipment or a government providing benefits.
The company furnishes its employees with transportation expenses.
I furnished my new apartment.
A more casual way to say 'put furniture in'. Commonly used in everyday conversation.
Let's clean before we furnish the room.