Translation guide
The English verb "contribute" has several distinct meanings. The most common Japanese equivalents depend on what is being contributed and the context.
To donate money, items, or assistance to a charity, fund, or collective effort.
The standard verb for donating money or goods to an organization or cause.
彼は毎年、赤十字に寄付している。
He contributes to the Red Cross every year.
Specifically for contributing money to a fundraising campaign or collection.
災害救援のために募金した。
We contributed money for disaster relief.
To contribute help or cooperation, often in non-monetary ways.
地域の清掃活動に協力した。
I contributed to the local cleanup activity.
To be one of the causes of an outcome or situation.
To contribute to something positive, like success, development, or society. Often used in formal contexts.
彼の研究は医学の発展に貢献した。
His research contributed to the advancement of medicine.
To be a contributing factor, often used for negative outcomes.
ストレスが病気の一因となった。
Stress contributed to the illness.
To lead to or contribute to a result, often used in everyday speech.
To provide written content for a newspaper, magazine, website, or collaborative project.
To contribute an article or manuscript to a publication.
彼は新聞に記事を寄稿した。
He contributed an article to the newspaper.
To submit a post, comment, or article, especially online or to a magazine.
ブログに記事を投稿した。
I contributed a post to the blog.
To offer suggestions, thoughts, or feedback in a meeting or conversation.
To contribute an opinion or idea.
会議で意見を出した。
I contributed my opinion at the meeting.
To speak up and contribute verbally in a group setting.
彼は議論に積極的に発言した。
He actively contributed to the discussion.
寄付する is the general term for donating money or goods. 募金する specifically refers to contributing to a fundraising campaign or collection, often in response to a call for donations.
貢献する implies a positive contribution. For negative contributing factors, use 一因となる or other expressions.
小さな努力が成功につながる。
Small efforts contribute to success.