About
The character 献 is the simplified form of the traditional 獻, a phono-semantic compound. Its right side features the semantic radical 犬 (dog), while the left side originally contained the phonetic component 鬳, an ancient earthenware cooking vessel. The etymology reflects the ancient ritual of offering dogs or meat cooked in such vessels as sacrifices. Over time, the meaning expanded from ritual sacrifice to the general act of respectfully donating, presenting, or dedicating something of value. In its modern simplified form, the complex vessel component on the left has been replaced by the character 南, while the dog radical 犬 remains on the right.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他为社会贡献了很多。
孩子们向老师献上鲜花。
他自愿献出了自己的血液。
大家都在为项目成功献计献策。
这份礼物是我献给你的祝福。
科学家将研究成果献给了全人类。
总统在典礼上发表了献词。
他将一生献给了探索真理的事业。