Translation guide
The English word 'contribution' covers a range of meanings from donating money to playing a part in a group effort. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you're talking about financial support, submitting an article, helping a team, or being a factor in a result. This guide breaks down the main uses and gives natural Japanese equivalents.
Giving money, goods, or resources to a cause, organization, or fund.
The most common word for a charitable donation or contribution of money or goods.
He makes a contribution to an animal protection group every year.
Specifically refers to fundraising or a monetary contribution collected from many people, often for disaster relief or charity.
街頭で災害支援の募金を呼びかけた。
They called for contributions for disaster relief on the street.
Slang term for a monetary contribution, often used in casual group collections (e.g., among friends or colleagues). From 'campaign'.
送別会のために一人千円カンパしよう。
Let's each contribute 1,000 yen for the farewell party.
Submitting an article, essay, artwork, or other content to a publication, website, or project.
Used for submitting a piece of writing, a photo, or a comment to a magazine, website, or social media.
彼女は新聞に記事を投稿した。
She contributed an article to the newspaper.
Formal term for contributing a manuscript or article, typically to a publication. Implies a solicited or professional contribution.
Helping a team, project, or cause through one's actions, skills, or participation.
The most general and common word for making a meaningful contribution to something, whether a company, society, or a project.
彼の研究は医学の発展に大きく貢献した。
His research made a significant contribution to the advancement of medicine.
Literally 'to be useful'. A very common, natural way to say someone's actions helped or contributed to a situation.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to play a part' or 'to lend a hand', often used when someone voluntarily takes on a role.
Something that helps bring about a result or situation, often used in explanations.
A factor or element that contributes to a particular outcome. Often used in analytical or explanatory contexts.
運動不足が肥満の一因となっている。
Lack of exercise is a contributing factor to obesity.
A set phrase meaning 'to be a contributing factor'. More formal than just 要因.
ストレスが病気の一因となることがある。
Stress can be a contributing factor to illness.
Offering an idea, opinion, or comment in a meeting or conversation.
Literally 'to state an opinion'. The most natural way to express contributing verbally in a formal setting.
会議で彼は建設的な意見を述べた。
He made a constructive contribution at the meeting.
A remark or statement made in a discussion. Can be used as 'make a contribution' in the sense of speaking up.
彼女の発言が議論の方向を変えた。
Her contribution changed the direction of the debate.
貢献 (こうけん) is a broad term for any kind of contribution, especially through effort or work. 寄付 (きふ) is specifically for donating money or goods. Don't use 寄付 when talking about contributing ideas or labor.
ボランティア活動は社会への貢献だ。
Volunteer work is a contribution to society.
被災地に寄付を送った。
We sent a contribution to the disaster area.
The English word 'contribution' is often used in contexts where Japanese would use a more specific verb or phrase. For example, 'He contributed to the project' is not naturally translated as 彼はプロジェクトに貢献した in casual speech; 彼はプロジェクトに役立った or 彼はプロジェクトで一役買った sounds more natural depending on the nuance.
みんなの協力でイベントは成功した。
Everyone's contribution made the event a success.
Here 'contribution' is better translated as 協力 (cooperation).
A renowned scholar contributed to the academic journal.
彼はチームの成功に役立った。
He contributed to the team's success.
彼女はイベントの準備に一役買った。
She contributed to the preparations for the event.