[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Society-and-Culture \ #Wealth # 贡 gòng to offer tribute ## Components [[工 gōng]] [[工 (gōng)]] [[贝 bèi]] [[贝 (bèi)]] ## Meaning Nowadays, the character 贡 (gòng) means "tribute" or "to offer." It is often used to refer to gifts or contributions made to someone of higher status or authority, particularly in historical or ceremonial contexts. The term can also imply the act of giving or contributing to a collective cause or organization, emphasizing the idea of offering something valuable in return for recognition or favor. ## History The character 贡 (gòng) signifies "to tribute" or "to offer." It originally meant to present offerings or tributes to the imperial court. In the *Shuōwén Jiězì*, it is defined as "献功," which means to dedicate one's efforts or achievements. Historically, 贡 also referred to rewards or gifts, as indicated in texts like *Zuo Zhuan* and *Shiji*, where it notes that offerings were made for acknowledgment. In addition, the term can describe tribute goods, as mentioned in *Xunzi*, which discusses the appropriate practices for delivering tributes based on distance and accessibility. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ![[贡 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ? ### Regular Script ![[贡 reg.svg]]