Definitions

gōng (verb) to provide; to supply
gòng (verb) to confess
gòng (noun) sacrificial offering

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

Composed of the human radical 亻 and the phonetic element 共, the character "供" historically conveyed actions related to presenting or offering, particularly within ceremonial settings. Its semantic range broadened over time to include the general provision of materials or services, as seen in terms for supply and support. Subsequently, within legal frameworks, it developed the specialized sense of confessing or deposing, where an individual offers forth information. This evolution from ritual presentation to material provision and finally to informational disclosure demonstrates the character's adaptive capacity within the language.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这家公司我们使用电脑。

Zhè jiā gōngsī gōng wǒmen shǐyòng diànnǎo.

This company provides us with computers to use.

图书馆提免费的WiFi。

Túshūguǎn tígōng miǎnfèi de WiFi.

The library provides free WiFi.

这个花瓶是在佛前的。

Zhège huāpíng shì gōng zài fó qián de.

This vase is offered before the Buddha.

他必须出自己的同伙。

Tā bìxū gōngchū zìjǐ de tónghuǒ.

He must confess his accomplices.

市场应充足的新鲜蔬菜。

Shìchǎng gōngyìng chōngzú de xīnxiān shūcài.

The market has an ample supply of fresh vegetables.

他的证词对案件提了关键线索。

Tā de zhèngcí duì ànjiàn tígōng le guānjiàn xiànsuǒ.

His testimony provided a crucial clue for the case.

这些数据仅内部参考,不得外传。

Zhèxiē shùjù jǐn gōng nèibù cānkǎo, bùdé wàichuán.

This data is for internal reference only and must not be disseminated.

犯罪嫌疑人终于如实述了犯罪过程。

Fànzuì xiányírén zhōngyú rúshí gòngshù le fànzuì guòchéng.

The suspect finally gave a truthful account of the crime process.