Definition
献 (xiàn) means to offer or present something with respect, such as flowers, gifts, opinions, or even one's life. Compared to 贡献 (gòngxiàn), which emphasizes contributing to a collective effort, 献 highlights the act of respectfully giving or dedicating. 捐赠 (juānzèng) is narrower, specifically 'to donate' (e.g., money or blood), while 奉献 (fèngxiàn) is a more elevated, literary term for wholehearted dedication to a noble cause.
verb
to offerto present (with respect, e.g. flowers, gifts, opinion)to dedicateto devote (one's life, oneself, to a cause)to donate (blood, time, resources)
Easily confused
- 先xiānsound-alikefirst, in advance, before others
- 线xiànsound-alikethread; string; wire; line
- 险xiǎnsound-alike(adjective) dangerous, perilous
- 陷xiànsound-aliketo sink into, to get stuck in (physical substance); to cave in
- 显xiǎnsound-alike(adjective) prominent, conspicuous, obvious
- 县xiànsound-alikecounty
- 闲xiánsound-alikefree (not busy), idle, unoccupied
- 嫌xiánsound-aliketo dislike (usually because something is unsatisfactory); to complain about; to find fault with
- 咸xiánsound-alikesalty
- 鲜xiānsound-alikefresh (of food, flowers, etc.)
Examples
- 。Tā bǎ zìjǐ de shōucángpǐn xiàn gěi le bówùguǎn.He donated his collection to the museum.
- 。Zhè wèi kēxuéjiā bǎ yìshēng xiàn gěi le kēxué yánjiū.This scientist devoted his whole life to scientific research.
- 献，。Qǐng nǐ xiàn jì xiàn cè, bāng wǒmen jiějué wèntí.Please offer suggestions to help us solve the problem.
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