About
The character 贡, with its traditional form 貢, is structurally composed of 貝, representing shell currency or valuables, and 工, indicating work or skill, a combination that etymologically implies the offering of valuable goods or labor. Its original meaning centered on tribute, referring specifically to material payments made by subordinates to a ruler or by dependent states to a central authority as a form of tax or obligation. Over time, the meaning of 贡 broadened from these compulsory feudal payments to include more general acts of offering or dedicating, as reflected in modern usage within compounds like 贡献, which denotes contribution or service. This shift retained the core idea of presenting something of value but moved its application from political and hierarchical contexts to wider personal and social spheres.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他对社会有贡献。
当地人民向朝廷进贡。
这些贡品非常珍贵。
他为这个项目贡献了力量。
古代小国必须年年纳贡。
这项发现是科学界的重要贡献。
如果人人都贡献一份爱心，世界会更美好。
他的理论贡献对理解经济供需关系至关重要。