献身

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 献身 is read as けんしん and is a noun for devotion or dedication to another person or a cause.
• Basic usage: Long service appears in 長年の献身, while dedicated support appears in 献身的な支え.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Noun and adjectival form
  • 献身 names devotion itself, while 献身的な modifies a person, attitude, or form of support.
• Difference from 貢献
  • 貢献 means contributing to an achievement or development; 献身 centers on a sustained attitude of selfless dedication.