Translation guide
A supply line is a route or system used to transport goods, resources, or personnel to where they are needed. In Japanese, the translation depends on context: military logistics, business supply chains, or general resource routes.
A route used to move troops, equipment, and provisions to the front lines or between bases.
The standard term for a military supply line. Used in historical and modern contexts.
敵の補給線を断つことが重要だ。
Cutting the enemy's supply line is crucial.
A more formal or technical term for a logistics line, often used in military strategy discussions.
兵站線の維持が作戦の成否を決める。
Maintaining the logistics line determines the success or failure of the operation.
The network of suppliers, transportation, and distribution that keeps a business running.
A direct translation used in business contexts for the flow of goods or materials.
部品の供給ラインが止まると生産が遅れる。
If the parts supply line stops, production will be delayed.
The loanword 'supply chain' is widely used in business and logistics. It refers to the entire network, not just a single line.
サプライチェーンの混乱が世界中で起きている。
Supply chain disruptions are occurring worldwide.
Refers to a physical distribution route, emphasizing the transportation aspect.
新しい物流ルートを開拓する必要がある。
We need to develop new distribution routes.
Any path or system for delivering essential resources like water, electricity, or food.
A general term for a supply route, often used for utilities or essential goods.
水道の供給路が地震で寸断された。
The water supply line was cut off by the earthquake.
Similar to 補給線 but more general; can be used for non-military contexts like disaster relief.
補給線 is strongly associated with military contexts, while 供給ライン is used in business and industrial settings. Using 補給線 for a factory supply line may sound overly dramatic.
工場の供給ラインが止まった。
The factory's supply line stopped.
Directly translating 'supply line' as 供給の線 is unnatural. Use the compound terms above.
We must secure supply routes to the disaster area.