贡献

• Pinyin: gòng xiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 贡 = 工 (work) + 贝 (treasure), meaning tribute; 献 = 南 + 犬, originally an offering ceremony

Meaning

To contribute; contribution. Giving something valuable to a cause or effort.

Can be verb or noun: 做出贡献 (make a contribution), 贡献力量 (contribute one's strength), 杰出贡献 (outstanding contribution). Used in formal and appreciative contexts: acknowledging someone's efforts, discussing achievements, or talking about social responsibility.

Examples

1. 他为中国航天事业做出了巨大的贡献。 He made tremendous contributions to China's space program.
2. 每个人都可以为环保贡献自己的一份力量。 Everyone can contribute their own part to environmental protection.
3. 这位科学家的贡献将永远被后人铭记。 This scientist's contributions will forever be remembered by future generations.

Usage Guide

Context: achievements, appreciation, formal speech

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 感谢您的贡献。(Thank you for your contribution.)
• 他贡献了自己的全部精力。(He devoted all his energy.)

Don't Say

• 用贡献描述小事 (Don't use 贡献 for trivial matters — it implies significant, valuable contributions)

Origin & History

Compound of 贡 (tribute, offer) + 献 (to present, offer). 贡 shows 工 (work) with 贝 (treasure), meaning to offer tribute; 献 shows offering something precious.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal