貢献
貢献 in 30 Sekunden
- 貢献 (kōken) means 'contribution' and is used for formal, positive impacts on groups or society.
- It is a 'suru-verb' (貢献する) and usually takes the particle 'ni' for the target.
- Commonly used in business, science, and social contexts to describe meaningful help.
- Avoid using it for small personal favors; use 'tasukeru' or 'tetsudau' instead.
The Japanese word 貢献 (こうけん - kōken) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to 'contribution.' While it can be used in everyday conversation, it carries a weight of formality and significance, often associated with making a meaningful impact on a larger scale, such as for society, a company, science, or a specific cause. Unlike the simple verb 'help' (助ける - tasukeru), 貢献 implies a structured or long-term effort that leads to progress or success. It is a 'suru-verb,' meaning you can add 'suru' to make it 'kōken suru' (to contribute). In the context of Japanese culture, which values group harmony and societal well-being, this word is frequently encountered in corporate mission statements, academic papers, and speeches acknowledging the hard work of individuals or groups.
- Societal Contribution
- This refers to activities that benefit the public good, often termed 社会貢献 (shakai kōken). It covers everything from volunteering to corporate philanthropy.
- Academic and Scientific Contribution
- Used when a researcher's findings advance a field of study. You might hear: '科学の発展に貢献する' (Contributing to the development of science).
- Corporate and Business Usage
- Employees are often evaluated on their '貢献度' (kōkendo - level of contribution) to the company's profits or project goals.
ボランティア活動を通じて、地域社会に貢献したいと考えています。 (I want to contribute to the local community through volunteer activities.)
彼の新しい理論は、物理学の世界に多大な貢献をもたらした。 (His new theory brought a great contribution to the world of physics.)
企業は利益を追求するだけでなく、環境保護への貢献も求められている。 (Companies are expected not only to pursue profit but also to contribute to environmental protection.)
チームの勝利に貢献できて、本当に嬉しいです。 (I am truly happy that I could contribute to the team's victory.)
この技術革新は、人類の未来に大きく貢献するだろう。 (This technological innovation will likely contribute greatly to the future of humanity.)
In summary, 貢献 is a powerful word that signals professionalism, altruism, and measurable impact. Whether you are writing a resume, a business proposal, or an academic essay, mastering this word allows you to articulate value and purpose in a way that resonates deeply with Japanese linguistic expectations of responsibility and social connectivity.
Using 貢献 (kōken) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a 'suru-verb' and its relationship with specific particles. The most common structure is [Recipient/Field] に 貢献する. The recipient can be an organization, a field of study, a community, or even a specific project. It is important to note that the contribution is usually positive. You wouldn't use 貢献 to describe contributing to a problem; for negative impacts, words like 'gen'in' (cause) are preferred.
- The 'Ni' Particle
- The particle 'ni' (に) marks the direction of the contribution. Example: 'Sekai heiwa ni kōken suru' (Contribute to world peace).
- Degree Modifiers
- Commonly paired with adverbs like '大きく' (ōkiku - greatly) or '多大に' (tadai ni - immensely) to emphasize the scale of the help.
- Noun Forms
- As a standalone noun, it can be the subject or object. Example: 'Kōken ga mitomerareta' (The contribution was recognized).
彼女の功績は、医学の進歩に大きく貢献しました。 (Her achievements contributed greatly to the progress of medicine.)
私たちは、持続可能な社会の実現に貢献することを目指しています。 (We aim to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.)
この寄付金は、教育環境の改善に貢献するために使われます。 (This donation will be used to contribute to the improvement of the educational environment.)
彼は長年、地域の防犯活動に貢献してきた。 (He has contributed to local crime prevention activities for many years.)
新しいプロジェクトでのあなたの貢献を期待しています。 (I am looking forward to your contribution in the new project.)
When constructing sentences, remember that 貢献 usually implies a selfless or professional drive. It is the language of 'giving back.' Whether you are describing how a technology helps the environment or how an athlete helps their team, 貢献 provides the necessary gravitas to show that the impact is recognized and valued by others.
You will encounter 貢献 (kōken) in several key domains of Japanese life. It is not a word you would typically use while chatting with friends about a video game, but it is ubiquitous in professional and civic life. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the 'vibe' of the word—which is one of respectability and high-level achievement.
- News and Media
- Journalists use 'kōken' to describe the impact of policy changes, scientific breakthroughs, or the actions of philanthropists. 'Economic contribution' (経済への貢献) is a frequent headline.
- Business Environments
- During performance reviews, a manager might say, 'Kotoshi no kōken wa subarashikatta' (Your contribution this year was wonderful). It is also used in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports.
- Sports Commentary
- When a player makes a game-winning play or consistently supports the team, commentators will mention their 'kōken' to the victory.
彼はノーベル賞を受賞し、人類の科学知識に多大な貢献をした。 (He won the Nobel Prize and made a great contribution to human scientific knowledge.)
当社の製品は、省エネ社会の実現に貢献しています。 (Our products contribute to the realization of an energy-saving society.)
地域に貢献する企業として、お祭りを支援しています。 (As a company that contributes to the community, we are supporting the festival.)
その選手は攻守にわたってチームに貢献した。 (The player contributed to the team both offensively and defensively.)
ボランティア団体は、震災復興に大きく貢献しました。 (The volunteer organization contributed greatly to the earthquake recovery.)
Basically, if the context involves public recognition, professional evaluation, or high-level goals, '貢献' is the word of choice. It elevates the conversation from 'doing a task' to 'making a difference.'
While 貢献 (kōken) is a versatile word, learners often make a few specific errors. The most common mistakes involve particle usage, confusion with similar-looking words, and using it in inappropriate registers or contexts. Because it is a formal word, using it for very minor, personal things can sound a bit 'stiff' or even sarcastic if not careful.
- Mistake: Using 'o' (を) instead of 'ni' (に)
- Learners often think 'contribute [something]' and try to use を. While you can say 'kōken o suru' (to do a contribution), the target of the contribution must be marked with に. Incorrect: 'Sekai o kōken suru'. Correct: 'Sekai ni kōken suru'.
- Mistake: Confusing with 'Kifu' (寄付)
- 'Kifu' specifically means donating money or goods. 'Kōken' is broader and includes effort, time, and influence. You can contribute (kōken) through a donation (kifu), but they are not interchangeable.
- Mistake: Using it for Negative Results
- 'Kōken' has a positive nuance. Using it to say someone 'contributed' to a disaster sounds like you are praising the disaster. Use 'gen'in to naru' (become the cause) or 'akueikyō o ataeru' (give a bad influence) instead.
❌ 彼は失敗に貢献した。 (Incorrect: He contributed to the failure.)
✅ 彼は成功に貢献した。 (Correct: He contributed to the success.)
❌ 社会を貢献する。 (Incorrect: Contribute society.)
✅ 社会に貢献する。 (Correct: Contribute to society.)
❌ 友達にペンを貸して貢献した。 (Too stiff: Contributed by lending a pen.)
By keeping these pitfalls in mind—especially the positive nuance and the 'ni' particle—you will sound much more natural and professional when using this important term.
Japanese has several words that overlap with 貢献 (kōken). Choosing the right one depends on the context, the level of formality, and whether you are focusing on the effort, the donation, or the result. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives.
- 寄与 (きよ - kiyo)
- Very similar to 'kōken,' but even more academic or technical. It is used for cause-and-effect relationships where one thing 'contributes' to a result. Example: 'This factor contributed (kiyo) to the price increase.'
- 尽力 (じんりょく - jinryoku)
- This focuses on the 'effort' or 'devotion' someone puts in. While 'kōken' looks at the outcome, 'jinryoku' looks at the hard work. Example: 'Thank you for your efforts (jinryoku) in organizing this event.'
- 奉仕 (ほうし - hōshi)
- This means 'service' or 'ministry,' often with a sense of selfless sacrifice or religious duty. It is commonly used in 'volunteer service' (hōshi katsudō).
その新薬は、病気の治療に大きく寄与した。 (The new drug contributed significantly to the treatment of the disease.)
プロジェクトの成功のために尽力します。 (I will exert my best efforts for the success of the project.)
彼は生涯を社会奉仕に捧げた。 (He dedicated his life to social service.)
皆様のご協力をお願いします。 (We ask for everyone's cooperation.)
彼はチームの勝利に一役買った。 (He played a part in the team's victory.)
Understanding these nuances allows you to be more precise. While 'kōken' is the safest and most common choice for 'contribution,' knowing when to switch to 'kiyo' or 'jinryoku' will make your Japanese sound much more advanced and nuanced.
Beispiele nach Niveau
彼はチームに貢献しました。
He contributed to the team.
Simple [Target] ni kōken shimashita.
社会に貢献したいです。
I want to contribute to society.
Verb stem + tai (want to).
彼女は大きく貢献しました。
She contributed greatly.
Adverb ōkiku + verb.
この本は勉強に貢献します。
This book contributes to study.
Noun + ni + verb.
みんなで貢献しましょう。
Let's all contribute.
Volitional form -mashō.
あなたの貢献はすごいです。
Your contribution is amazing.
Kōken as a noun.
地域の貢献が大切です。
Local contribution is important.
Noun + ga + adjective.
彼は平和に貢献した。
He contributed to peace.
Past tense -shita.
ボランティアで地域に貢献する。
Contribute to the region through volunteering.
De (means) + ni (target).
新しい技術が医学に貢献した。
New technology contributed to medicine.
Subject ga + target ni.
彼は優勝に大きく貢献した選手だ。
He is a player who contributed greatly to the victory.
Relative clause describing 'senshu' (player).
会社の利益に貢献するために働く。
Work in order to contribute to the company's profit.
Tame ni (in order to).
その発明は人類に貢献した。
That invention contributed to humanity.
Formal noun 'jinrui' (humanity).
私の貢献を認めてください。
Please recognize my contribution.
Object marker 'o' + kudasai.
スポーツは健康に貢献します。
Sports contribute to health.
General fact statement.
科学者は世界に貢献している。
Scientists are contributing to the world.
Te-iru (ongoing state).
社会貢献活動に参加することが趣味です。
My hobby is participating in social contribution activities.
Compound noun 'shakai kōken katsudō'.
彼は多大な貢献をしたことで表彰された。
He was awarded for making an immense contribution.
Koto de (because of/by).
このプロジェクトは環境保護に貢献できるだろう。
This project will likely be able to contribute to environmental protection.
Potential form + darō (conjecture).
あなたの経験は、わが社に大きく貢献するはずです。
Your experience should contribute greatly to our company.
Hazu desu (expectation).
寄付を通じて、教育の発展に貢献する。
Contribute to the development of education through donations.
Tsūjite (through/via).
チームワークが勝利に最も貢献した要因だ。
Teamwork is the factor that contributed most to the victory.
Motto (most) + yōin (factor).
彼は自分の才能を社会に貢献するために使った。
He used his talent to contribute to society.
Object o + [purpose] tame ni + tsukau.
この研究は将来の技術に貢献する可能性がある。
This research has the potential to contribute to future technology.
Kanōsei ga aru (there is a possibility).
企業の社会的責任として、環境保全に貢献すべきだ。
As corporate social responsibility, we should contribute to environmental conservation.
Subeki da (should/ought to).
彼の長年の貢献が、今の業界の基礎を築いた。
His years of contribution built the foundation of the current industry.
Nagayen no (long-term) + kōken.
その新政策は経済の活性化に大きく貢献すると期待されている。
The new policy is expected to contribute greatly to economic revitalization.
To kitai sarete iru (is expected that).
私たちは持続可能な開発目標の達成に貢献しています。
We are contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
Tassei (achievement) + ni + kōken.
個人の努力が組織全体の成功に貢献する。
Individual effort contributes to the success of the entire organization.
Zentai no (of the whole).
この論文は、その分野の理論的枠組みに貢献している。
This paper contributes to the theoretical framework of the field.
Rironteki wakugumi (theoretical framework).
彼は、文化交流の促進に多大なる貢献を果たした。
He made an immense contribution to the promotion of cultural exchange.
Kōken o hatasu (to fulfill/make a contribution).
地域社会への貢献度を評価基準に含めるべきだ。
The degree of contribution to the local community should be included in the evaluation criteria.
Kōkendo (degree of contribution).
その学者の発見は、既存のパラダイムを覆し、科学史に不朽の貢献を残した。
The scholar's discovery overturned existing paradigms and left an immortal contribution to the history of science.
Fukyū no kōken (immortal/everlasting contribution).
グローバル企業には、途上国の経済自立に貢献する責務がある。
Global corporations have a duty to contribute to the economic independence of developing nations.
Sekimu (duty/obligation).
芸術は、人間の精神的な豊かさに貢献する重要な要素である。
Art is an important element that contributes to the spiritual richness of human beings.
Seishinteki na yutakasa (spiritual richness).
彼は、外交官として国際紛争の平和的解決に多大に貢献した。
As a diplomat, he contributed immensely to the peaceful resolution of international conflicts.
Heiwateki kaiketsu (peaceful resolution).
この技術革新が、エネルギー問題の抜本的な解決に貢献することを切に願う。
I sincerely hope that this technological innovation will contribute to a fundamental solution to energy problems.
Setsu ni negau (sincerely hope).
彼は、伝統芸能の継承と発展に生涯をかけて貢献し続けた。
He continued to contribute to the succession and development of traditional arts throughout his life.
Shōgai o kakete (over a lifetime).
企業の利益追求と社会への貢献は、決して相反するものではない。
A company's pursuit of profit and its contribution to society are by no means contradictory.
Kesshite ... mono de wa nai (by no means ...).
ボランティア精神に基づいた貢献が、コミュニティの絆を強める。
Contributions based on the volunteer spirit strengthen the bonds of the community.
Ni motozuita (based on).
彼の思想体系は、現代倫理学の再構築に計り知れない貢献を寄与した。
His system of thought made an immeasurable contribution to the reconstruction of modern ethics.
Hakirishirenai (immeasurable).
多文化共生社会の実現には、個々の市民が互いの差異を認めつつ貢献し合う姿勢が不可欠である。
To realize a multicultural symbiotic society, an attitude where individual citizens contribute while recognizing each other's differences is indispensable.
Fukasetsu (indispensable).
その慈善家は、匿名での貢献を貫き、自らの名声よりも実利を優先させた。
The philanthropist stuck to anonymous contributions, prioritizing practical benefits over his own fame.
Tokumei de no kōken (anonymous contribution).
バイオテクノロジーの進展は、食糧危機の回避に貢献する一方で、倫理的な課題も提起している。
While advancements in biotechnology contribute to avoiding food crises, they also raise ethical issues.
Ippō de (on the other hand).
歴史を紐解けば、名もなき民衆の貢献が文明の転換点において決定的な役割を果たしてきたことがわかる。
Looking back at history, we can see that the contributions of nameless masses have played a decisive role at the turning points of civilization.
Rekishi o himotokeba (unrolling history/looking back).
持続可能な経済モデルへの移行は、次世代の生存基盤を確保するための最大の貢献と言えるだろう。
The transition to a sustainable economic model could be called the greatest contribution to securing the survival base for the next generation.
Seizon kiban (survival base).
学問の徒として、真理の探究を通じて人類の知的財産に貢献することこそが至上の喜びである。
As a student of learning, contributing to the intellectual property of humanity through the pursuit of truth is the supreme joy.
Shijō no yorokobi (supreme joy).
彼は、自身の富を社会に還元することで、真の意味での富の貢献を体現した。
By returning his wealth to society, he embodied the contribution of wealth in its true sense.
Taigen suru (to embody).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Summary
貢献 (kōken) is your go-to word for describing a professional or societal 'contribution.' It elevates the act of helping to a level of significant impact. Use it with 'ni' to show where the help is going, like 'Shakai ni kōken suru' (Contribute to society).
- 貢献 (kōken) means 'contribution' and is used for formal, positive impacts on groups or society.
- It is a 'suru-verb' (貢献する) and usually takes the particle 'ni' for the target.
- Commonly used in business, science, and social contexts to describe meaningful help.
- Avoid using it for small personal favors; use 'tasukeru' or 'tetsudau' instead.
Beispiel
彼は医学の発展に多大な貢献をした。
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr academic Wörter
絶対的
B2Absolut; losgelöst von jeglicher Beziehung oder Bedingung. Er hat absolutes Vertrauen.
絶対的に
B1In einer absoluten oder bedingungslosen Weise. 'Das ist absolut richtig.'
抽象的だ
B1Abstract; existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
抽象
B2Existierend in Gedanken oder als Idee, aber ohne physische oder konkrete Existenz. Es bezieht sich auf die Verallgemeinerung oder Extraktion des Wesens von etwas, weg von spezifischen Details. (Abstrakte Kunst ist ein typisches Beispiel.)
抽象的に
B1Auf eine abstrakte oder theoretische Weise. Wird für Ideen oder Konzepte verwendet, nicht für physische Dinge.
学術的な
B1Bezieht sich auf ernsthafte universitäre Studien, Forschung oder Wissenschaft; akademisch.
学術的だ
B1Akademisch; wissenschaftlich. Diese Arbeit entspricht akademischen Standards.
学術的
B2Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術
B1Akademische Welt, Gelehrsamkeit; bezogen auf wissenschaftliche Bestrebungen.
学力
B1Akademische Fähigkeit bezieht sich auf das Wissen in Schulfächern.