Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| proveedor | /pɾobeeˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| suministrador | /suministɾaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| subministrador (desus.) | masculine |
The term proveedor is a common and general translation for a supplier. If you are referring specifically to a service provider, you can use the phrase proveedor de servicios. In industrial or manufacturing sectors, where the emphasis is on the act of supplying resources or materials, the term suministrador is often used.
What does it mean word for word?
The word proveedor is derived from the verb proveer, which means to provide or supply.
Which one should you use?
While both proveedor and suministrador mean supplier, proveedor is the standard term used in general and business contexts. In contrast, suministrador is more technical and often refers specifically to the act of supplying goods or utilities.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term suplidor is commonly used in the Caribbean and Puerto Rico.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is proveedor. To refer to a female supplier, use the feminine form proveedora. The plural form is proveedores.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾobeeˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- In a historical Spanish court context, the proveedor was not just a vendor but a high-ranking official in charge of the royal household's finances and logistics.
- The Spanish verb proveer shares a common Latin root with the English word 'provide'. Both come from the Latin 'providere', meaning 'to foresee' or 'to look ahead'.
- While proveedor is the common noun, Spanish uses the verb abastecer to describe the act of supplying a population with essential goods like food or medicine.
Examples in context
- Estoy pensando en cambiar de proveedor.I'm thinking about changing my supplier.This sentence is useful for expressing an intention to change your proveedor.Tatoeba #1151680 by Shishir, translation #1351536 by CK
- Argelia es el mayor proveedor de gas de España.Algeria is Spain's biggest gas supplier.This sentence is useful for identifying a country as a major proveedor of gas.Tatoeba #10021291 by manufrutos, translation #7856696 by Amastan
- Argelia es un proveedor seguro de gas para España.Algeria is a safe gas supplier for Spain.This sentence is useful for describing a country as a reliable proveedor of gas.Tatoeba #10021382 by manufrutos, translation #7858763 by Amastan
- El proveedor entregó los productos a tiempoThe supplier delivered the products on time
- La empresa requiere varios abastecedores para mantener su inventarioThe company requires multiple suppliers to maintain its inventory
- La fábrica busca un suministrador de materias primasThe factory is looking for a supplier of raw materials
- Contratamos un proveedor de servicios de mantenimientoWe hired a maintenance service provider
- Conozco a un abastecedor de carne muy confiableI know a very reliable meat supplier
- Luis es mi suplidor de productos electrónicosLuis is my electronics supplier
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing a business matter in an office.
- Elena¿Ya contactaste con el proveedor?Have you contacted the supplier yet?
- JavierSí, el proveedor me envió la factura hoy.Yes, the supplier sent me the invoice today.
- ElenaPerfecto, Javier. ¿Es un buen proveedor?Perfect, Javier. Is he a good supplier?
- JavierSí, es un proveedor muy cumplidor.Yes, he is a very reliable supplier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “supplier” translations and entries proveedor, suministrador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries proveedor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
