Translation and Meaning of: 貢献 - kouken

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 貢献 (こうけん – kōken). It appears in various contexts, from discussions about work to social themes. But what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word, as well as understand how it is perceived in Japan. If you want to learn how to use it correctly or just discover more about its meaning, keep reading!

Meaning and Translation of 貢献 (こうけん)

The word 貢献 (kōken) can be translated as "contribution" or "cooperation." It carries the idea of offering something valuable to a group, project, or society, whether through effort, knowledge, or resources. Unlike words like 助ける (tasukeru – help), which have a more immediate sense, 貢献 implies a lasting or significant impact.

In Japan, this word is often used in professional and academic settings, but it also appears in community contexts. For example, when someone donates time to a social cause or when a company supports a cultural initiative, it is said that they are making a 貢献. The nuance here is that it is not just about helping, but about consistently adding value.

Origin and Composition of the Kanji 貢献

The kanji 貢 (こう – kō) has Chinese origins and originally meant "tribute" or "offering." Historically, it was used to describe gifts given to rulers as a sign of loyalty. On the other hand, 献 (けん – ken) comes from the verb 献ずる (kenzuru), which means "to offer" or "to dedicate." When combined, these kanjis reinforce the idea of a voluntary and meaningful contribution.

It is worth noting that 貢献 is not an old or obsolete word. On the contrary, it is widely used in modern Japanese, especially in discussions about innovation, social responsibility, and teamwork. Its use reflects important values in Japanese culture, such as cooperation and respect for the collective.

How to Use 貢献 in Daily Life

One of the most common ways to use 貢献 is in phrases like 社会に貢献する (shakai ni kōken suru – contribute to society). This expression often appears in corporate speeches and volunteer projects. Another example is チームに貢献したい (chīmu ni kōken shitai – I want to contribute to the team), frequently used in work environments to express willingness to collaborate.

Although it is a formal word, it does not sound artificial or overly technical. In fact, its use demonstrates maturity and social awareness. If you want to impress in a job interview or a Japanese essay, including 貢献 can be a great way to show that you understand the importance of working together.

Curiosities and Memory Tips

An effective way to remember the meaning of 貢献 is to associate it with the concept of "tribute." Just as in ancient times people offered tributes to their leaders, today we contribute our time and skills to greater causes. This mental image can help solidify the meaning in a more concrete way.

Additionally, it is worth noting that 貢献 is one of those words that frequently appears in news and articles about technology and sustainability. Japanese companies often highlight how their products or services "contribute to society" (社会に貢献する – shakai ni kōken suru). Being aware of these contexts can help internalize its correct usage.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

貢献 (こうけん) - Contribution
貢ぐ (みつぐ) - Contribute; donate
貢献する (こうけんする) - Make a contribution
貢献度 (こうけんど) - Contribution level
貢献者 (こうけんしゃ) - Contributing member
貢献精神 (こうけんせいしん) - Spirit of contribution
貢献心 (こうけんしん) - Heart of contribution; intention to help
貢献力 (こうけんりょく) - Power of contribution
貢献度合い (こうけんどあい) - Level of contribution
貢献度数 (こうけんどすう) - Contribution score; measure of contribution
貢献的 (こうけんてき) - Regarding the contribution
貢献度ランキング (こうけんどランキング) - Contribution level ranking
貢献度評価 (こうけんどひょうか) - Assessment of contribution level
貢献度高い (こうけんどたかい) - High contribution level
貢献度低い (こうけんどひくい) - Low contribution level
貢献度向上 (こうけんどこうじょう) - Increase in contribution level
貢献度アップ (こうけんどアップ) - Increase in contribution level

Related words

今後

kongo

from now on; from here on

寄与

kiyo

contribution; service

関与

kanyo

participation; participating; participating; to be worried about

貢献

Romaji: kouken
Kana: こうけん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: contribution; services

Meaning in English: contribution;services

Definition: contribute to something.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (貢献) kouken

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (貢献) kouken:

Example Sentences - (貢献) kouken

See below some example sentences:

発明は人類の進歩に貢献する。

Hatsumei wa jinrui no shinpo ni kōken suru

Invention contributes to the progress of humanity.

Invention contributes to human progress.

発明 - means "invention"
は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
人類 - means "humanity"
の - It is a grammatical particle that indicates possession or relation.
進歩 - means "progress"
に - it is a grammatical particle that indicates action or destination
貢献する - means "to contribute"

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)