Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| proporcionar | /pɾopoɾθjoˈnaɾ/ /pɾopoɾsjoˈnaɾ/ |
| proveer | /pɾobeˈeɾ/ |
| brindar | /bɾinˈdaɾ/ |
| providenciar | /pɾobidenˈθjaɾ/ /pɾobidenˈsjaɾ/ |
These verbs are used to express the act of giving what is needed or desired. Depending on the context, you might be supplying physical goods, offering abstract support or sharing information.
Which one should you use?
The different Spanish forms are chosen based on what is being provided. proporcionar is a versatile, neutral term often used when providing information, data or specific tools. proveer is more commonly used when referring to the physical supply of necessary goods or resources, such as food. brindar is often used when providing something abstract or intangible, such as an opportunity or support.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, brindar may be used to mean 'to provide' or 'to offer'.
How does it change in a sentence?
proporcionar is a transitive verb that can take a direct object, which is the thing provided and an indirect object, which is the recipient.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾopoɾθjoˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- While it means 'to provide' in many contexts, the word brindar actually traces its roots back to the German phrase 'bring dir's', which means 'bring it to thee' in the context of a toast.
- While brindar means 'to provide' in a professional or abstract sense, it is also the primary verb used when people clink glasses to make a toast.
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, choosing the verb brindar instead of proporcionar can make an offer of help sound more like a gracious gift than a simple transaction.
Examples in context
- Tom proporcionará la música.Tom will provide music.This sentence shows how to use proporcionar to talk about music.Tatoeba #5748628 by arh, translation #5748227 by CM
- Te proporcionaremos todo lo que necesites.We'll provide you with whatever you need.This sentence demonstrates using proporcionar to express providing everything a person needs.Tatoeba #2253472 by Shishir, translation #13380567 by frpzzd
- Yo te proveeré toda la información necesaria.I will provide you all the necessary information.This sentence uses la form of proveer to show providing information.Tatoeba #1137149 by marcelostockle, translation #526662 by CK
- Proporcionar informaciónTo provide information
- Proporcionar asistenciaTo provide assistance
- Proporcionar solucionesTo provide solutions
- Suministrar datosTo provide data
- Suministrar productosTo provide products
- Suministrar recursosTo provide resources
- Dar ayudaTo provide help
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing the logistics for a new project at work.
- MateoSofía, ¿puedes proporcionar los documentos hoy?Sofía, can you provide the documents today?
- SofíaSí, Mateo, te los enviaré en una hora.Yes, Mateo, I will send them to you in an hour.
- MateoGracias, eso es lo que necesito para empezar.Thanks, that is what I need to start.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, todo estará listo pronto.Don't worry, everything will be ready soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “provide” translations and entries proporcionar, proveer, brindar, providenciar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brindar, proporcionar, proveer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
