貢献 — meaning in English: Contribution

kōken · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for contribution

関心

kanshin

貢献

kōken

助けて

tasukete

パーティー

pātī

交換

kōkan

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 貢献 (kōken) in various contexts, particularly in discussions about teamwork, social responsibility, or contributions to a community. For instance, you might hear it in a business meeting when someone highlights the contributions of team members during a project or in a volunteer setting when acknowledging the efforts of individuals who have supported a charitable cause.

Synonyms & nuances

While 貢献 (kōken) specifically refers to the act of contributing or giving, another similar term is 寄付 (kifu), which denotes making a donation, often of money or goods. You would choose 貢献 when discussing broader contributions to society or a project, while 寄付 is more about specific charitable donations.

Culture

The term 貢献 (kōken) has roots in the Chinese characters '貢' meaning 'to offer' and '献' meaning 'to present.' This word reflects a cultural value in Japan emphasizing the importance of giving back to society. In ancient times, contributions were often made to support the emperor or a local leader, showcasing a long-standing tradition of service and dedication to collective well-being.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 貢献 in English?

The word 貢献 (kōken) translates to 'contribution' in English, referring to the act of giving or contributing something valuable to a person, organization, or cause.

Q.How do you use 貢献 in a sentence?

You can use 貢献 in sentences like '彼はプロジェクトに大きく貢献しました' (Kare wa purojekuto ni ōkiku kōken shimashita), which means 'He made a significant contribution to the project.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 貢献?

A common mistake is using 貢献 with an incorrect subject. It's important to ensure that the subject of your sentence is the person or group making the contribution, rather than the recipient of the contribution.

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