供える

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 供える (そなえる) adds okurigana える to offering 供, forming a transitive verb.
• Basic usage: It describes placing fruit on a family altar or flowers before a grave as an offering.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A ritual offering rather than ordinary giving
  • 供える involves respectfully placing something at an altar, grave, or sacred site, not simply handing it to another person.