进贡

進貢

jìngòng

verb #34,109

Meanings

1 to present tribute (to a suzerain or emperor)
2 (figurative, often joking) to send gifts upward to a superior

Characters

to present; advance

Examples

古代藩国每年向中央朝廷进贡。

Gǔdài fānguó měi nián xiàng zhōngyāng cháotíng jìngòng.

In ancient times vassal states presented tribute to the central court every year.

他每周都给老板进贡好茶叶。

Tā měi zhōu dōu gěi lǎobǎn jìngòng hǎo cháyè.

He gives the boss good tea every week (lit. 'pays him tribute').

Tips

history

进贡 was the bedrock of imperial China's foreign relations — the 朝贡体系 ('tributary system') by which Korea, Vietnam, the Ryukyus and others sent envoys with goods to receive Chinese recognition and lavish return gifts. Modern usage usually borrows this for ironic effect about gift-giving to a superior.

Stroke Order

进 jìn

贡 gòng