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March 24, 2026
献(獻)xiàn(xian4)
The character 献 (xiàn) primarily means 'to offer' or 'to present.' It is often used in contexts where something is given or dedicated to someone else, such as in ceremonies, donations, or displays. Additionally, it carries a nuance of reverence and respect in the act of giving.
Strokes13Radical犬Frequency#4239DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
献 is often associated with traditional Chinese practices such as offerings to ancestors during festivals, reflecting the culture's deep respect for lineage and heritage. This character embodies the values of respect and gratitude in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cat (the radical 猫) presenting a gift to its owner. The cat is '献' (xiàn)ing its love, showcasing its worthiness. The shape of the character suggests something being put forth, like a gift being offered with care.
Meanings of 献
xiàn(xian4)
1to offer
2to present
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 献
献Simplified
獻Traditional
13Strokes
犬Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4239Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 献
Podcast: 献
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AI Study Notes for 献
Quick Contrast
奉 (fèng) - use 奉 when emphasizing the respectful or deferential manner of offering; 赠 (zèng) - use 赠 when the focus is on giving as a gift without the connotation of ceremony or reverence.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cat (the radical 猫) presenting a gift to its owner. The cat is '献' (xiàn)ing its love, showcasing its worthiness. The shape of the character suggests something being put forth, like a gift being offered with care.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 献 with similar verbs like 送 (sòng), which means 'to send' rather than 'to offer.' It's generally used in formal contexts, such as in ceremonies or philanthropy, so be cautious in informal settings. A common collocation is 献爱心 (xiàn ài xīn), meaning 'to show love or compassion.'
HSK Study Tips
While 献 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding it enriches comprehension of related words in the realm of giving and offering, such as 贡献 (gòng xiàn, 'contribute'). Focus on its usage in formal contexts to grasp its significance in cultural exchanges.
Cultural Note
献 is often associated with traditional Chinese practices such as offerings to ancestors during festivals, reflecting the culture's deep respect for lineage and heritage. This character embodies the values of respect and gratitude in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 献 with 给予 (jǐ yǔ), which means 'to give' in a more general sense. A wrong example would be saying '我献给你这个' (Wǒ xiàn gěi nǐ zhège) when a simpler '我给你这个' (Wǒ gěi nǐ zhège) would suffice.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 献
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Grammar Patterns of 献
献 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Every citizen has made contributions, either big or small, to the development of this city.
Common Confusions with 献
献vs现
xiàn
Similar pronunciation but different meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to offer"?
or
Usage Notes for 献
Confusion with similar verbsCommon Error
Learners often confuse 献 with 现, as they sound similar. Remember that 献 specifically means to offer or dedicate, while 现 relates to appearance or current.
The inscription reads: "To Emma, with love from Harry".
8
丹尼的大献殷勤让安妮受宠若惊。
dān ní de dà xiàn yīn qín ràng ān nī shòu chǒng ruò jīng。
Anne was both flattered and surprised by Danny's attentiveness to her.
9
我们将去那里，渴望献出我们的一切。
wǒ mén jiāng qù nà lǐ， ， kě wàng xiàn chū wǒ mén de yī。
We'll go there bursting to give it our all.
10
这支小交响乐队与一群六弦提琴师同台献艺。
zhè zhī xiǎo jiāo xiǎng lè duì yǔ yī qún liù xián tí qín shī tóng tái xiàn yì。
The Sinfonietta shares the stage with a consort of viols.
Cultural Notes for 献
🏮Cultural insight
献 is often associated with traditional Chinese practices such as offerings to ancestors during festivals, reflecting the culture's deep respect for lineage and heritage. This character embodies the values of respect and gratitude in Chinese society.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the act of donating is often seen as a personal choice or charity, while in Chinese culture, it can be tied to familial obligations and respect for ancestors, highlighting a communal aspect of giving.
Word Family of 献
Compounds2
谳yan4to decide, to judge; decision, verdict
擜
Words Containing This Character18
贡献gòngxiànto contribute貢獻
献xiànto offer獻
奉献fèngxiànto consecrate奉獻
文献wénxiàndocument文獻
捐献juānxiànto donate捐獻
献身to devote oneself to獻身
献血xiànxuèto donate blood獻血
献上to offer to God獻上
献殷勤to court sb's favor獻殷勤
献策to offer advice獻策
献花to offer flowers獻花
呈献to present respectfully呈獻
献媚to pander to獻媚
献词congratulatory message獻詞
献计to offer advice獻計
献血者blood donor獻血者
张献忠Zhang Xianzhong (1606-1647), leader of a late-Ming peasant revolt張獻忠
汉献帝Emperor Xian of Han (181-234), the final Han emperor, set up by Dong Zhuo 董卓, reigned 189-220, forced to abdicate 220 by Cao Pi 曹丕漢獻帝
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 谳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 献
You can say '我献上我的爱' (Wǒ xiàn shàng wǒ de ài) meaning 'I offer my love.'
Not typically; it's more common in formal situations, such as ceremonies or when discussing donations.
A common phrase is '献血' (xiàn xuè), which means 'to donate blood.'
