Definition
进贡 is a separable verb (离合词). Historically it means 'to pay tribute' to a monarch or superior. In modern usage it can also mean 'to bribe someone', often with a cynical or derogatory tone. The components 进 and 贡 can separate to insert 过, 了, or measure words (e.g., 进过贡, 进了一次贡). The recipient of the tribute or bribe is typically introduced by 给 or 向.
v.o./v.
(historical) to pay tribute (to a monarch or superior)(modern, derogatory) to bribeto grease someone's palm
Examples
- 进贡。Gǔdài zhūhóu měinián dōu yào xiàng tiānzǐ jìn gòng.In ancient times, vassals had to pay tribute to the emperor every year.
- ，进贡。Tā wèile nádào nàge xiàngmù, tōutōu gěi guānyuán jìn gòng.He secretly bribed officials to get that project.
- ，。Tā gēn nàge lǐngdǎo jìn guò yí cì gòng, hòulái shìqing jiù bàn chéng le.He bribed that leader once, and later the matter was handled.
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