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奉 is a phono-semantic compound: 丰 (fēng) supplies the sound, while the bottom component, originally two hands (廾), now written 手 (hand), conveys the act of holding and offering. Its core meaning is the respectful presentation of something to a superior, elder, or deity, emphasizing a vertical social and religious hierarchy. This sense later expanded to include receiving orders or bearing commissions from a higher authority, implying duty and strict compliance. The character also came to mean serving, attending, or supporting someone, reflecting the submissive posture of the original gesture of offering tribute or gifts to an authority figure.
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Example Sentences Hide
他奉献了自己的青春。
我奉命前来报到。
他不喜欢奉承别人。
我愿奉陪到底。
这本书我会奉还给你。
我们必须奉行这项政策。
本店免费奉送礼品。
详情容我日后奉告。
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