gung3 ban2貢品贡品
Jyutpinggung3 ban2
Yalegung bán
Definition
Tribute; a gift or offering presented to a superior.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Originally referring to formal tributes sent to imperial courts, this term is now frequently used in a sarcastic or humorous way to describe items given to someone who is acting demanding or entitled. It often implies that the recipient is being treated like a king or queen, regardless of whether they actually hold any authority. Using it this way adds a layer of playful mockery to the act of gift-giving.
Measure word
gin2件gínExamples
These are tribute items meant for the emperor.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe standard gifts between friends or family, as it carries a strong connotation of hierarchy or forced submission. Calling a regular birthday present a 貢品 might sound like you are complaining about the recipient's high expectations.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
