proporcionar
/pɾopoɾθjoˈnaɾ/
The Spanish phrase for 'to provide' is proporcionar.
Proporcionar means to give or make something available to someone who needs it. It is often used when the thing being provided is information, tools or abstract benefits.
Which one should you use?
While proporcionar is often used for providing information, tools or abstract benefits, the verb proveer is more commonly used for the physical supply of necessary goods or provisions (like food or water) in a continuous or large-scale sense. Additionally, suministrar is a formal verb often used when referring to the supply or provision of materials, resources or commodities.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb is typically used with the structure proporcionar [object] a [person] to indicate who is receiving the thing being provided. You may also use the past participle proporcionado as an adjective to describe something that has been provided.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾopoɾθjoˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- While proporcionar means 'to provide', the adjective proporcionado is frequently used to describe a person's body as being well-balanced or fit.
- The verb proporcionar shares the same root as the English word 'proportion'. This is because both come from the idea of maintaining a correct ratio or scale.
- Spanish uses the word proporción not only for mathematical ratios but also to describe the devastating scale of a disaster.
Examples in context
- Puedo proporcionar comida y ropa a mi familia.I'm able to provide food and clothes for my family.This sentence shows how to use proporcionar to express providing items to family members.Tatoeba #10106076 by manufrutos, translation #10104919 by CK
- El aprendizaje automático es una rama de la inteligencia artificial cuyo propósito es proporcionar a las computadoras la capacidad de aprender sin estar programadas.Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence whose purpose is to provide computers with the ability to learn without being programmed.This sentence demonstrates using proporcionar in a technical context regarding providing capabilities to computers.Tatoeba #10464397 by carlosalberto, translation #10464385 by carlosalberto
- La empresa provee productos y servicios de calidad.The company provides quality products and services.
- Puedo proporcionarle toda la información necesaria.I can provide you with all the necessary information.
- El gobierno suministra agua potable a todas las comunidades.The government provides drinking water to all communities.
- La empresa suministra alimentos frescos a los supermercados.The company supplies fresh food to supermarkets.
- Me puedes dar información sobre el proyecto.Can you give me information about the project?
- Él siempre me da buenos consejos.He always gives me good advice.
- Estoy aquí para brindarte mi apoyo en todo momento.I'm here to provide you with my support at all times.
- Si quieres, te puedo brindar mi ayuda.If you want, I can provide you with my help.
- La tienda pone a disposición productos de alta calidad.The store provides high-quality products.
- Voy a proveerte de todas las herramientas necesarias.I am going to provide you with all the necessary tools.
- El hotel puede proporcionar toallas limpias a los huéspedes.The hotel can provide clean towels to the guests.
Example conversation
Elena asks Alejandro for help with a business meeting.
- AlejandroElena, ¿puedes proporcionar los documentos para la reunión?Elena, can you provide the documents for the meeting?
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, te los enviaré en un momento.Yes, Alejandro, I will send them to you in a moment.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias por tu ayuda.Thank you very much for your help.
- ElenaNo hay problema, cuenta conmigo.No problem, you can count on me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry proporcionar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries proporcionar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
