貢献

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 貢献, read こうけん, combines offering 貢 with presenting 献 to denote a helpful contribution.
• Basic usage: Use it for playing a helpful role in an outcome or community, as in 時間短縮に貢献する.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Grammar and combinations
  • The beneficiary or outcome normally takes に, and even a small improvement can be a 貢献, not only a great achievement.