獻

Phono-semantic compound:

犬 (dog, 犭 radical) – semantic element, symbolizing sacrifice or offering of animals in rituals;

鬳 (large sacrificial cauldron) – phonetic element, also tied to the idea of ritual vessels.

Together, the character conveys the act of presenting or offering (sacrificing) something formally.

In ancient ritual culture, animals were commonly offered to gods or ancestors. The 犬 component preserves this sacrificial association.

鬳, a vessel used for boiling or presenting offerings, reinforces the imagery of formal dedication.

Over time, the sense broadened from strictly sacrificial rituals to general offerings, dedications, and metaphorical “contributions.”

In Korean, 獻 often appears in formal or ceremonial contexts (religious services, royal courts, memorials).

헌신 (獻身) – devotion, dedication (lit. “offering one’s body”)

헌납 (獻納) – to dedicate, to donate formally

헌화 (獻花) – flower offering (at a ceremony or memorial)

헌공 (獻供) – ritual offering

봉헌 (奉獻) – to present, to consecrate

Distinct from simple “to give” (주다), it carries a nuance of solemn dedication or presenting upward (to gods, rulers, or respected figures).