功臣

• Pinyin: gōng chén
• Desglose de hanzi: 功 = merit, achievement; 臣 = pictograph of a kneeling official — minister, loyal subject

Significado

Persona de gran mérito; contribuyente decisivo.

Originally referred to officials or generals rewarded for military or political achievements in imperial China. Now used broadly for anyone who made a decisive contribution to a significant outcome: 开国功臣 (founding meritorious official), 历史功臣 (person of historical merit). Carries a respectful, sometimes reverential tone.

Ejemplos

1. 这几位科学家是新中国航天事业的奠基功臣，受到国家的高度表彰。
2. 在球队夺冠的过程中，他绝对是当之无愧的最大功臣。
3. 不能让真正的功臣在历史长河中默默无闻，他们的贡献理应被铭记。

Guía de uso

Contexto: history, politics, achievement, sports

Tono: reverential

Correcto

• 老一辈科学家是国家现代化建设不可或缺的幕后功臣。(The older generation of scientists are the indispensable unsung heroes behind the country's modernisation.)
• 这次谈判能够成功，她是当之无愧的最大功臣。(She fully deserves to be recognised as the greatest contributor to the success of these negotiations.)

Incorrecto

• 用'功臣'描述轻微的帮助或一般的贡献 — 功臣 implies an outstanding or decisive contribution; use 有功之人 or 贡献者 for moderate contributors

Origen e historia

功 (merit/achievement) + 臣 (official; minister; loyal subject)

Contexto cultural

Generación: All ages

Contexto social: Educated speakers