Meaning and Usage
The noun '공급' refers to the act of supplying or providing goods, services, or resources. It is commonly used in economic, business, and everyday contexts where something is delivered or made available.
Common Contexts
You will often see '공급' used when talking about utilities (like electricity or water), raw materials in manufacturing, or the general concept of supply in economics.
Collocations and Patterns
- 공급 문제 (supply problem): used when there is an issue with providing something.
- 공급과 수요 (supply and demand): a fundamental economic term.
- 안정적인 공급 (stable supply): emphasizes reliability.
Register and Usage Notes
'공급' is a formal noun and often appears in written or formal spoken Korean, such as news reports, business discussions, or official statements. It is less common in casual conversation unless discussing specific topics like business or economics.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '공급' with '제공' (provision or offering), which can overlap but '공급' usually implies a continuous or systematic supply, especially in economic contexts, whereas '제공' can be more general or one-time offering.