Translation and Meaning of: 供 - kyou

The Japanese word 供[きょう] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances both in its meaning and in its everyday use. If you are studying Japanese or just have a curiosity about languages, understanding terms like this can enrich your knowledge of the culture and the language. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 供[きょう] is used, as well as practical tips to memorize it. The Suki Nihongo dictionary is an excellent reference for those looking to learn Japanese accurately and in-depth.

Meaning and usage of 供[きょう]

供[きょう] is a term that generally refers to "offering" or "service," especially in religious or ceremonial contexts. It can be used to describe something that is offered to deities or ancestors, such as food or sacred objects. However, its meaning is not limited to that. In some cases, the word can also indicate "companion" or "follower," depending on the context in which it appears.

A common example is its use in Japanese festivals, where 供[きょう] can refer to offerings made at altars. Another application appears in expressions like 供物[くもつ], which means "religious offering." It is important to note that, although the term has a formal tone, it is still used in everyday situations, especially in regions with strong religious traditions.

Origin and writing of the kanji 供

The kanji 供 is composed of the radical 人 (person) and the component 共 (together), which suggests an idea of "someone who accompanies" or "something that is offered together." This structure helps to understand why the word can have seemingly distinct meanings, such as "offering" and "companion." The reading きょう (kyou) is one of several possible readings for this kanji, which can also be read as とも (tomo) or そなえる (sonaeru) in other contexts.

Historically, the use of 供 is linked to Shinto and Buddhist rituals, where offerings were (and still are) a common practice. Over time, the word has expanded to other uses, but its religious roots are still noticeable. Studying the origin of this term can be useful for those who want to better understand Japanese culture and its traditions.

Tips for memorizing and using 供[きょう]

An effective way to memorize 供[きょう] is to associate it with concrete situations, such as Japanese ceremonies or festivals. If you have ever attended a matsuri (traditional festival), you have probably seen altars with offerings – that’s the perfect context to remember the meaning of the word. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like 神に供えるもの (something offered to the gods) to reinforce the vocabulary.

Additionally, paying attention to compounds like 供物[くもつ] (religious offering) or 供養[くよう] (ancestor worship) can help expand your knowledge. If you enjoy animes or Japanese dramas, watch for the word appearing in scenes of temples or rituals – this reinforces learning in a natural way. With practice and constant exposure, 供[きょう] will become more familiar in your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 供給 (kyōkyū) - Supply; can be used in contexts of resources or services.
• 提供 (teikyō) - Offer, provision; generally used in contexts of services or products offered.
• 供与 (kyōyo) - Granting, donation; implies transferring something to another party, often without expectation of return.
• 供給する (kyōkyū suru) - Supply, provide; the verb corresponding to "supply".
• 提供する (teikyō suru) - Offer, provide; the verb corresponding to "offer".
• 供与する (kyōyo suru) - Grant, donate; a verb corresponding to "concession."

供

Romaji: kyou
Kana: きょう
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: offer; gift; shipping; serving (a meal); supply

Meaning in English: offer;present;submit;serve (a meal);supply

Definition: To provide goods or services.

Example Sentences - (供) kyou

See below some example sentences:

便宜な価格で提供します。

Beni na kakaku de teikyo shimasu

We offer affordable prices.

We offer at a convenient price.

• 便宜な - adjective meaning "convenient", "favorable", "advantageous".
• 価格 - noun meaning "price".
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done.
• 提供します - verb meaning "to offer", "to provide", "to make available".

役立つ情報を提供します。

Yakudatsu jōhō o teikyō shimasu

I will provide useful information.

Provides useful information.

• 役立つ - useful, beneficial
• 情報 - information
• を - direct object particle
• 提供 - provide
• します - Verb "to do" in the present

提供することは喜ばしいことです。

Teikyō suru koto wa yorokobashii koto desu

It is gratifying to offer something.

Providing is a pleasure.

• 提供すること - Provide something
• は - Topic particle
• 喜ばしい - Pleasant, enjoyable
• こと - Thing, fact
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

私は子供を育てるのが好きです。

Watashi wa kodomo wo sodateru no ga suki desu

I like raising children.

I like to raise children.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that what follows refers to "me"
• 子供 (kodomo) - noun meaning "child"
• を (wo) - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence, indicating that "child" is the object of the action
• 育てる (sodateru) - verb meaning "to create", "to educate" or "to care for"
• のが (no ga) - particle indicating that the previous verb is the subject of the following sentence
• 好き (suki) - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence

給食は学校で提供される食事です。

Kyūshoku wa gakkō de teikyō sareru shokuji desu

Lunch is a meal provided at school.

• 給食 - Refers to school meals
• は - Topic marking particle
• 学校 - School
• で - Placeholder particle
• 提供される - To be supplied
• 食事 - Meal
• です - Sentence-ending particle

親は子供にとって大切な存在です。

Oya wa kodomo ni totte taisetsu na sonzai desu

Parents are an important presence in children's lives.

Parents are important to children.

• 親 (oya) - means "father" or "mother" in Japanese
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "the parents"
• 子供 (kodomo) - means "child" or "son" in Japanese
• にとって (ni totte) - "to" or "in relation to", in this case, "to the children"
• 大切 (taisetsu) - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• な (na) - grammatical particle that indicates the adjectival form of the previous term, in this case, "important"
• 存在 (sonzai) - It means "existence" or "presence" in Japanese
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the polite and formal way of stating something, in this case, "is"

土台は建物の基礎です。

Daidai wa tatemono no kiso desu

The base is the basics of the building.

• 土台 (dodai) - base, foundation
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 建物 (tatemono) - building, construction
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 基礎 (kiso) - foundation, base
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay

本国の文化は多様で美しいです。

Honkoku no bunka wa tayou de utsukushii desu

The culture of the home country is diverse and beautiful.

• 本国 - It means "country of origin" or "home country".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 文化 - refers to the culture of a people or nation.
• は - particle that indicates the main theme of the sentence.
• 多様 - means "diverse" or "varied".
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done.
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite or formal form.