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.
Our company provides high-quality services.
This site provides information for free.
Focuses on supplying goods, resources, or utilities, often in a continuous or large-scale manner.
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.
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.
Please provide the materials for the meeting.
To earn enough money to support a family or dependents.
To state that something must be done or is required, often in rules, laws, or contracts.
To make something possible or create a chance for something.
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).
契約書にその条件が定められている。
The contract provides that condition.
New technology provided the possibility of telemedicine.