The Kanji: 贈 (Zō / Oku)
The kanji 贈 means "to give a gift," "to present," or "to award." It combines 貝 (shell/currency) with 曽 (increase), originally depicting the generous giving of valuable items. This character represents formal gift-giving and honorary bestowal.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 贈り物 (okurimono) - Gift
誕生日に贈り物をもらった。
"I received a gift for my birthday."
2. 寄贈 (kizō) - Donation
図書を学校に寄贈する。
"Donate books to the school."
3. 贈呈 (zōtei) - Presentation
表彰状を贈呈する。
"Present a certificate of commendation."
4. 贈賄 (zōwai) - Bribery
政治家が贈賄で逮捕された。
"The politician was arrested for bribery."
In summary, 贈 describes formal giving - from personal gifts (贈り物) and charitable donations (寄贈) to ceremonial presentations (贈呈) and illegal offerings (贈賄). It encompasses both honorable and corrupt giving in Japanese society.