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献礼 (xiàn lǐ) — to present a gift (as a tribute or in celebration)

Definition

A formal verb meaning to present a gift as a tribute or in celebration, typically to mark a special occasion or honor someone/something (e.g. a holiday, anniversary, leader). Almost always used for ceremonial contexts, not casual gift-giving.

verb
to present a gift (as a tribute or in celebration)

Examples

  • 献礼。
    Zhè bù diàn yǐng shì xiàng guó qìng xiàn lǐ de.
    This movie is a tribute to the National Day.
  • 。
    Tā wèi mǔ xiào xiàn le yí fèn hòu lǐ.
    He presented a generous gift to his alma mater.
  • ，献礼。
    Guó qìng qián xī, gè dì fēn fēn xiàn lǐ.
    On the eve of National Day, all regions presented gifts in celebration.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

An action followed by what it acts on, fused into one word.

献xiànoffer/present
礼lǐgift/ceremony

“献” expresses giving or presenting, while “礼” names the gift or tribute being offered.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 獻; 献 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
犬犬quǎndog
Sound part声符shēngfú
鬳
鬳yàn獻xiàn
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 獻 combines 鬳, which gives the sound, with 犬, a dog. The simplified 献 is a later shorthand.

Open 献 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 禮; 礼 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
礻Written in full as示shìaltar
Sound part声符shēngfú
豊
豊lǐ禮lǐ
Same sound today

The traditional form 禮 pairs 礻 (altar) with 豊, a sound part, for performing rites at the altar; the simplified 礼 is a later shorthand.

Open 礼 →
Appears in
Chinese Culture & CustomsGreetings & Politeness

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