Meanings of 貢
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 貢
Podcast: 貢
Podcast: 貢
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 貢
奉 (fèng) - use 奉 when emphasizing the act of offering with a sense of respect or deference, while 貢 focuses on the contribution aspect, often in a historical or formal context.
This character is often used in formal contexts, such as historical discussions about tributes. A common mistake is to confuse it with 贡品 (gòngpǐn), which specifically refers to tribute goods. Pay attention to the tone, as gòng (fourth tone) is different from gōng (first tone), which means 'to work' or 'to labor.'
While 貢 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other characters related to giving and contributing, such as 赠 (zèng) meaning 'to gift.' Focus on the context in which 貢 is used, particularly in historical texts and discussions about social hierarchy.
Learners sometimes confuse the tones, pronouncing it as gōng instead of gòng. Another mistake is using it in informal contexts where a more casual term like 赠 would be appropriate.
Pronunciation of 貢
Drill the tone of 貢 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 貢
Phonosemantic compound. 贝 represents the meaning and 工 represents the sound. Simplified form of 貢.
money
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 貢
Phonosemantic compound. 贝 represents the meaning and 工 represents the sound. Simplified form of 貢.
- 1The meaning half貝 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half工 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymoney
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 貢? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 貢?
Decomposition of 貢
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 貢?
How to say to offer, to contribute; tribute, gifts in Chinese
“to offer, to contribute; tribute, gifts” in Chinese is貢
The character 貢 (gòng) primarily means 'to offer' or 'to contribute.' It is often used in contexts related to tributes or gifts, especially in historical or formal settings where one state or individual offers something valuable to another as a sign of respect or allegiance.
When to use 貢
This character is often used in formal contexts, such as historical discussions about tributes. A common mistake is to confuse it with 贡品 (gòngpǐn), which specifically refers to tribute goods. Pay attention to the tone, as gòng (fourth tone) is different from gōng (first tone), which means 'to work' or 'to labor.'
貢 or something close to it
奉 (fèng) - use 奉 when emphasizing the act of offering with a sense of respect or deference, while 貢 focuses on the contribution aspect, often in a historical or formal context.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse the tones, pronouncing it as gōng instead of gòng. Another mistake is using it in informal contexts where a more casual term like 赠 would be appropriate.
Write 貢
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 貢 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 貢
Compound Meaning
What does 贡献 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 貢
While both relate to giving, 貢 specifically refers to offerings or tributes often in a formal or hierarchical context, whereas 赠 is used for gifts in a more general sense.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 貢?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.