Meaning and Usage
"貢献" (こうけん) means "contribution" or "service" and is used to describe the act of contributing positively to a group, society, or cause. It often implies a meaningful or valuable input that benefits others.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "貢献" in contexts related to work, community service, or any situation where someone's efforts help improve or support a larger entity. It is a formal noun and often used in business, social, and academic settings.
Collocations and Patterns
- 貢献する: to contribute (verb form)
- 社会に貢献する: to contribute to society
- 会社の発展に貢献する: to contribute to the development of a company
- 地域社会への貢献: contribution to the local community
Nuances and Tips
Using "貢献" implies a positive and often recognized effort. It is more formal than casual words like "手伝う" (to help). Avoid confusing it with "貢ぐ" (みつぐ), which means to support financially or provide money, as they have different meanings despite similar pronunciation.
Summary
"貢献" is a useful word to express meaningful contributions in formal or semi-formal contexts. It highlights the value and impact of one's actions on a group or society.