Usage and Meanings of 供
The character 供 is versatile and commonly used in contexts related to providing or supplying something, such as goods, services, or support. It can also mean to support or maintain someone financially, especially family members. Additionally, 供 is used in legal or police contexts to mean 'to confess' or 'to give testimony.'
Common Collocations
- 供给 (gōngjǐ): to supply or provide resources.
- 供养 (gōngyǎng): to support or maintain, often used for family members.
- 供出 (gòngchū): to reveal or confess, often in a legal context.
Usage Notes
When using 供 to mean 'to supply,' it often appears with objects like food, water, or materials. In the sense of 'support,' it usually refers to financial or material support for people. The legal sense of 供 (to confess or testify) is more formal and appears in police or court-related language.
Avoid confusing 供 with similar verbs like 给 (to give) which is more general. 供 emphasizes the act of providing or supporting, often with a sense of responsibility or obligation.