neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 供应商 (gōngyìng shāng) in business meetings or negotiations to refer to companies or individuals who provide goods or services. For example, in a supply chain discussion, one might say, 'We need to evaluate our current 供应商 to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.'
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 供货商 (gōnghuò shāng), which specifically denotes a seller of goods. While 供应商 (gōngyìng shāng) can refer to any supplier, including service providers, 供货商 is more focused on those who supply physical products.
Culture
The term 供应商 (gōngyìng shāng) reflects the importance of supply chains in Chinese commerce, especially as the country has become a global manufacturing hub. Historically, the concept of suppliers in China has evolved alongside economic reforms, emphasizing efficiency and quality in production and services.
FAQ
Q.What does 供应商 mean in English?
The word 供应商 (gōngyìng shāng) translates to 'supplier' in English, referring to a person or company that provides goods or services.
Q.How do you use 供应商 in a sentence?
You can use 供应商 in a sentence like this: '我们需要寻找新的供应商来降低成本,' which means 'We need to find new suppliers to reduce costs.'
Q.Are there common mistakes when using 供应商?
A common mistake is to confuse 供应商 with 供货商. Remember that 供应商 has a broader meaning, encompassing service providers, while 供货商 specifically refers to those supplying goods.