Translation and Meaning of: 寄付 - kifu

The Japanese word 寄付[きふ] (kifu) is a term that frequently appears in social and everyday contexts in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the culture of the country, understanding its meaning, use, and nuances can be quite helpful. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic translation to cultural aspects and practical memorization tips.

The term 寄付 is commonly associated with donations or contributions, whether for charitable institutions, community projects, or even local events. But does this word have other meanings or particularities? Let's find out how it is used in everyday life, its origin, and even some curiosities that can aid in learning.

Meaning and Translation of 寄付 [きふ]

In its most direct form, 寄付 means "donation" or "contribution." It is used to describe acts of charity, financial support for social causes, or even small aids in community events. The literal translation reflects its practical use well, but it is worth noting that it carries a sense of voluntariness and generosity.

Unlike words like 贈り物 (gift) or 支援 (support), 寄付 has a more specific focus on contributions that benefit third parties or society as a whole. If you've seen fundraising campaign advertisements in Japan, you've probably come across this term. It also appears in forms, NGO websites, and even in informal conversations about charitable actions.

Origin and Composition of Kanjis

The word 寄付 is composed of two kanji: 寄 (ki), which can mean "to approach" or "to grant," and 付 (fu), which relates to "to attach" or "to deliver." Together, they form the idea of "granting something to someone" or "delivering a contribution." This combination is not random and reflects well the purpose of the word.

It is worth noting that, although the term is old, its modern use was consolidated mainly in the post-war period, when Japan underwent significant social transformations. The culture of donation gained strength with the growth of non-profit organizations and public campaigns, making 寄付 an increasingly present word in the Japanese vocabulary.

Cultural Use and Social Context

In Japan, the act of donating is seen as a social responsibility, especially in situations of natural disasters. After events such as earthquakes or typhoons, it is common to see 寄付 campaigns being organized in train stations, supermarkets, and even on TV programs. This habit reflects values such as solidarity and collectivity, which are deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

In addition, many companies encourage employees to contribute a portion of their salaries to social causes, a system known as 募金 (bokin). Although it is not mandatory, the social pressure to participate in these initiatives can be significant. Understanding this context helps to realize why 寄付 goes beyond a simple translation and is linked to cultural behaviors and expectations.

Tips for Memorizing and Using Correctly

An effective way to remember 寄付 is to associate it with real situations. For example, when you see a donation box in a kombini (convenience store), you can mentally repeat: "これは寄付です" (This is a donation). This type of contextual association helps to memorize not only the word but also its practical use.

Another tip is to pay attention to the kanjis separately. As we saw, 寄 is related to "to grant" and 付 with "to attach." Thinking about this semantic connection can make memorization easier, especially if you're already studying other words that use the same characters. If you prefer visual methods, creating flashcards with images of donation campaigns can also be helpful.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 寄贈 (Kizō) - Donation, gift, often used for cultural assets.
• 捐贈 (Enzō) - Donation, usually in cash or goods to institutions.
• 贈与 (Zōyo) - Transfer of goods or property as a gift, without compensation.
• 奉納 (Hōnō) - A ceremonial offering, usually in religious contexts.
• 奉献 (Hōken) - Dedication or offering, often in religious or service contexts.
• 奉送 (Hōsō) - Delivery or shipment as a form of donation.
• 捧げる (Sasageru) - To offer or dedicate something to someone, often in a devoted sense.
• 贈る (Okuru) - Giving a gift, emphasizing the act of gifting.
• 与える (Ataeru) - To give, provide, or grant something to someone.
• 提供する (Teikyō suru) - Provide or offer resources or services to others.
• 贈答する (Zōtō suru) - Giving gifts, often on formal occasions.
• 進呈する (Shintei suru) - Presenting or offering something of value as a gift.
• 供与する (Kyōyo suru) - Provide or make available resources or services.
• 贈り物 (Okurimono) - A gift or item given to someone.
• 奉仕する (Hōshi suru) - To serve or to voluntarily dedicate oneself to someone or something.
• 献上する (Kenjō suru) - To offer or present something to a greater entity, often religious or imperial.
• 贈り品 (Okuribin) - A item that is donated or given as a gift.
• 進上する (Shinjō suru) - To offer or present something respectfully.
• 献金する (Kenkinsuru) - Only money, especially for religious causes or institutions.
• 奉納物 (Hōnōbutsu) - Goods or items offered in offerings.
• 奉納金 (Hōnōkin) - Money offered in ceremonies or rituals.

寄付

Romaji: kifu
Kana: きふ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: contribution; Donation

Meaning in English: contribution;donation

Definition: Provide money or goods for free to humanitarian aid organizations, social welfare projects, etc.

Example Sentences - (寄付) kifu

See below some example sentences:

寄付は社会貢献の一つの方法です。

Kifu wa shakai kōken no hitotsu no hōhō desu

Donation is a way to contribute to society.

Donating is a way to contribute to society.

• 寄付 (きふ) - donation
• は - Topic particle
• 社会貢献 (しゃかいこうけん) - contribution to society
• の - Possession particle
• 一つ (ひとつ) - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
• の - Possession particle
• 方法 (ほうほう) - method
• です - Verb ser/estar (polite form)