献花 (xiàn huā) — to present flowers; to lay a wreath (as a tribu… | tongtong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

A formal/ceremonial verb meaning to present flowers as a tribute — at memorials, weddings, or to respected figures. Pairs with 向 + recipient/location.

verb

to present flowersto lay a wreath (as a tribute)

Examples

献花。
Tā men xiàng liè shì jì niàn bēi xiàn huā.
They presented flowers at the martyrs' monument.
。
Zuó tiān tā gěi lǎo shī xiàn le yí shù huā.
Yesterday he presented a bouquet of flowers to his teacher.
，。
Hūn lǐ shàng, xīn láng xiàng xīn niáng xiàn le huā.
At the wedding, the groom presented flowers to the bride.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

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

献 means to offer and 花 means flowers, so offering flowers or a wreath.

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.

鬳犬獻

Meaning part形符xíngfú

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.

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

艹化花

Meaning part形符xíngfú

艹Written in full as艸cǎograss; plant

Sound part声符shēngfú

化

Same sound today

花 pairs 艹 (grass; plant) with 化, which gives the sound.

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