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March 24, 2026
贡(貢)gòng(Gong4)
The character 贡 (gòng) primarily means to offer tribute or to contribute something valuable to someone, often in a formal or ceremonial context. It is frequently used in historical and governmental contexts, where one state or individual would pay tribute to another as a sign of respect or allegiance. The word can also refer to gifts or offerings in a more general sense.
Strokes7Radical贝Frequency#13400DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, tribute systems were vital for maintaining relationships between states, particularly in the context of the tributary system where smaller states would offer 贡 to larger ones to ensure protection and favor. This practice reflects the importance of hierarchy and respect in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a royal court where subjects present gifts to the emperor. The character 贡 resembles a person bowing down with arms outstretched, offering something precious. To remember its pronunciation, think of 'gown' — a regal garment associated with formal occasions and tributes.
Meanings of 贡
gòng(Gong4)
1to offer tribute
2tribute
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 贡
贡Simplified
貢Traditional
7Strokes
贝Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13400Frequency Rank
Podcast: 贡
Podcast: 贡
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AI Study Notes for 贡
Quick Contrast
贡 (gòng) vs 捐 (juān) — use 贡 for formal tribute or offerings, while 捐 refers specifically to donations or contributions, often with a charitable connotation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 贡 is pronounced with a falling tone (gòng). This word is more formal and is often used in historical or ceremonial contexts, so using it in casual conversation may seem out of place. Common collocations include '贡品' (gòng pǐn, tribute goods) and '贡税' (gòng shuì, tribute tax).
HSK Study Tips
Although 贡 is not included in the official HSK levels, it can be related to words like '贡献' (gòngxiàn, contribution), which is more commonly used. Students should focus on recognizing its use in historical texts as well as its connection to discussions about forms of tribute in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 贡 with the more general term 礼物 (lǐwù, gift). For example, saying '我给他一个贡' (Wǒ gěi tā yī gòng) implies giving a tribute but sounds odd in casual situations; instead, use 礼物 for everyday gifts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 贡
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Phonosemantic compound. 贝 represents the meaning and 工 represents the sound. Simplified form of 貢.
1The meaning half贝 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 贡? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 贡?
Decomposition of 贡
IDS Structure⿱工贝
贡Full Character
=
工gong1
top
贝Bei4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 贡?
How to say to offer tribute in Chinese
“to offer tribute” in Chinese is贡gòng
The character 贡 (gòng) primarily means to offer tribute or to contribute something valuable to someone, often in a formal or ceremonial context. It is frequently used in historical and governmental contexts, where one state or individual would pay tribute to another as a sign of respect or allegiance. The word can also refer to gifts or offerings in a more general sense.
When to use 贡
Be cautious with the tone; 贡 is pronounced with a falling tone (gòng). This word is more formal and is often used in historical or ceremonial contexts, so using it in casual conversation may seem out of place. Common collocations include '贡品' (gòng pǐn, tribute goods) and '贡税' (gòng shuì, tribute tax).
贡 or something close to it
贡 (gòng) vs 捐 (juān) — use 贡 for formal tribute or offerings, while 捐 refers specifically to donations or contributions, often with a charitable connotation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 贡 with the more general term 礼物 (lǐwù, gift). For example, saying '我给他一个贡' (Wǒ gěi tā yī gòng) implies giving a tribute but sounds odd in casual situations; instead, use 礼物 for everyday gifts.
Write 贡
贡
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Practice writing 贡 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 贡
贡 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 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.
