奉献

• Pinyin: fèng xiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 奉 = two hands holding something up — to offer respectfully; 献 = 南 (phonetic) + 犬 (dog, offering sacrifice) — to present

Meaning

To dedicate; to devote; to contribute selflessly. Giving one's time, effort, or resources for a cause.

Emphasizes selfless giving without expecting return. Used for both concrete contributions and abstract devotion. Common contexts: 奉献精神 (spirit of dedication), 无私奉献 (selfless devotion), 为国奉献 (dedicate oneself to the nation). Often appears in discussions of role models, public service, and moral education.

Examples

1. 他把一生都奉献给了教育事业，培养了无数优秀人才。 He dedicated his whole life to education and cultivated countless outstanding talents.
2. 志愿者们的无私奉献让灾区人民感受到了温暖。 The selfless dedication of the volunteers made the disaster victims feel warmth.
3. 爱不是索取，而是奉献和付出。 Love is not about taking, but about giving and devoting.

Usage Guide

Context: public service, education, inspirational

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 她为这个项目奉献了十年心血。(She devoted ten years of effort to this project.)
• 奉献精神是中华民族的传统美德。(The spirit of dedication is a traditional virtue of the Chinese nation.)

Don't Say

• 用奉献描述有偿工作 (Don't use 奉献 for paid work or work with clear rewards — it implies selfless, often uncompensated giving)

Origin & History

Compound of 奉 (to offer respectfully, to receive orders) + 献 (to present, to offer). Both characters suggest respectful giving or presenting to a superior cause.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal