貢 (gòng) - Tribute — refers to offerings, contributions, or taxes & also used in words for tribute goods, tribute

貢Tone 4

gòng ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

貢 · gòng

Tribute — refers to offerings, contributions, or taxes paid to a superior authority, especially to an emperor or state;

also used in words for tribute goods, tribute systems, and in modern contexts for contributions or donations.

Tribute — refers to offerings, contributions, or taxesalso used in words for tribute goods, tribute

Usage highlights

Tribute goodsTo contributeTribute systemTo pay tributeTribute envoyTribute state

Synonyms

  • 献— To offer, to dedicate (less formal than tribute)
  • 奉— To present respectfully, to offer up

Antonyms

  • 索— To demand, to extort (opposite of voluntary offering)
  • 夺— To seize, to take by force

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Ancient kingdoms paid tribute to the emperor (进贡).
  • He made a generous contribution to the charity (贡献).
  • This book is a tribute to classical literature (贡品).
  • The tribute system was a key feature of imperial diplomacy (贡赋制度).

Collocations

  • Tribute goods(贡品)
  • To contribute(贡献)
  • Tribute system(贡赋)
  • To pay tribute(进贡)
  • Tribute envoy(贡使)
  • Tribute state(贡国)

Idioms

  • To offer one's loyalty and service(贡禹弹冠)
  • Paying tribute to the court(纳贡称臣)
  • The tribute of a humble heart(芹献之贡)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically central to the imperial tributary system, where neighboring states acknowledged Chinese supremacy through ritual gift-giving.
  • The concept of 'gong' (tribute) reinforced the Sinocentric world order and facilitated trade and diplomatic relations.
  • In modern usage, 'gongxian' (contribution) carries positive connotations of dedication and service to society or a cause.

FAQ