Translation guide
The English word "supplies" covers a wide range of meanings, from everyday consumables to specialized equipment. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese word based on what kind of supplies they mean.
Everyday items that are used up and need to be restocked, like stationery, toiletries, or cleaning products.
The most direct and common translation for consumable supplies. Used in offices, schools, and homes for things like paper, pens, toner, soap, etc.
I ordered office supplies.
Refers to fixtures, equipment, or durable goods that are not quickly used up. Often used for office furniture, tools, or appliances. Not for consumables.
Do not use for items that are regularly consumed like paper or ink. 備品 implies longer-lasting items.
A generic suffix meaning 'articles' or 'goods' for a specific purpose. Often combined with another word, e.g., 文房具用品 (stationery supplies), 掃除用品 (cleaning supplies).
Materials used for artistic or hobby activities, such as paints, brushes, paper, clay, etc.
Specifically art supplies: paints, canvases, brushes, etc. Used by artists and hobbyists.
Items used for medical treatment or emergencies, like bandages, medicine, syringes, etc.
Gear and provisions for camping, hiking, or outdoor activities.
Camping supplies: tents, sleeping bags, stoves, etc. A common compound word.
Equipment, ammunition, food, and other provisions for military forces.
Food and drink, especially when stored or transported for a journey, emergency, or group.
The act of providing or furnishing something. Note: This is a different part of speech, but learners may encounter it.
To supply (goods, services, etc.). The noun form is 供給 (supply).
消耗品 (consumables) are items that get used up and need regular replacement, like paper, ink, soap. 備品 (equipment/fixtures) are durable items that last a long time, like desks, chairs, computers. Using the wrong one can cause confusion in an office setting.
Copy paper is a consumable supply.
Please make sure we don't run out of supplies.
新しいオフィスに備品を揃えた。
We furnished the new office with supplies/equipment.
文房具用品はあの店で買えます。
You can buy stationery supplies at that store.
I bought paints at the art supply store.
General term for materials or ingredients. Can be used for craft supplies, cooking ingredients, or building materials. Context clarifies the type.
I'm going to buy craft supplies.
Medical supplies in a broad sense. Used in hospitals, clinics, or for first aid kits.
We stockpile medical supplies in case of disaster.
First aid supplies specifically: bandages, antiseptic, etc. Often found in a first aid kit (救急箱).
I always keep first aid supplies in the car.
I prepared camping supplies for the weekend trip.
Outdoor supplies in general, including camping, hiking, fishing gear.
I bought a new backpack at the outdoor supply store.
Military supplies, often used in formal or historical contexts. Includes weapons, ammunition, uniforms, etc.
The shipment of military supplies is delayed.
Provisions or replenishment supplies, often used for food, fuel, and ammunition delivered to troops.
Deliver supplies to the front line.
Food supplies, provisions. Commonly used for emergency food, camping food, or general food stock.
Food supplies were delivered to the shelter.
Provisions, especially for a journey or military. More formal and less common in daily speech.
Prepare provisions for the mountain climb.
That company supplies teaching materials to schools.
To provide, issue, or supply (often by an organization to its members). Used for allowances, equipment, etc.
The company supplies us with uniforms.
このプリンターは備品として登録されています。
This printer is registered as equipment.
English often uses 'supplies' as a catch-all. In Japanese, it's more natural to specify the type of supplies (e.g., 文房具 for stationery, 食材 for food ingredients) rather than using a generic word. Overusing 消耗品 or 用品 can sound vague or unnatural.
I'm going to buy (office) supplies. (Literally: stationery)