Translation guide
The English verb "provide" covers several distinct meanings. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is being provided, to whom, and the context. This guide breaks down the main uses.
To make something available or give it to someone, often as a service or necessity.
The most general and neutral word for providing something, such as information, services, or goods. Often used in formal or business contexts.
当社は高品質のサービスを提供しています。
Our company provides high-quality services.
このサイトは無料で情報を提供している。
This site provides information for free.
Focuses on supplying goods, resources, or utilities, often in a continuous or large-scale manner.
市は住民に水を供給している。
The city provides water to residents.
Means 'to give' and can be used for providing abstract things like opportunities, impressions, or influence. Can sound direct or literary.
この仕事は私に多くの経験を与えてくれた。
This job provided me with a lot of experience.
Means 'to prepare' or 'to arrange' and is used when providing something by getting it ready in advance.
会議のために資料を用意してください。
Please provide the materials for the meeting.
To earn enough money to support a family or dependents.
The standard verb for supporting a family financially.
彼は家族を養うために一生懸命働いている。
He works hard to provide for his family.
A formal term used in legal or tax contexts for supporting dependents.
税法上、扶養する家族がいる。
Under tax law, I have dependents to provide for.
To state that something must be done or is required, often in rules, laws, or contracts.
Used in formal documents to mean 'stipulate' or 'provide that...'.
法律は例外を規定している。
The law provides for exceptions.
Similar to 規定する, meaning 'to establish' or 'to prescribe' in rules.
契約書にその条件が定められている。
The contract provides that condition.
To make something possible or create a chance for something.
Literally 'give an opportunity', a natural way to say 'provide an opportunity'.
このプログラムは若者に学ぶ機会を提供する。
This program provides young people with an opportunity to learn.
Means 'to make possible', often used when providing the means for something.
新しい技術が遠隔医療を可能にした。
New technology provided the possibility of telemedicine.
When talking about providing for a family, do not use 提供する. Use 養う or 扶養する instead. 提供する sounds like you are supplying your family as a service.
提供する is for services, information, or intangible things. 供給する is for physical goods, resources, or utilities. 情報を提供する (provide information) vs. 電気を供給する (provide electricity).