Chinese word

功臣

Pronunciation

Pinyingōng chén

Meaning

  • nounkey contributor

Example

他是项目的功臣。tā shì xiàng mù dì gōng chén

He is a key contributor to the project.

Illustration for 功臣 (key contributor)

More examples

他在战争结束后被封为功臣，受到奖励。tā zài zhàn zhēng jié shù hòu bèi fēng wèi gōng chén shòu dào jiǎng lì

After the war ended, he was honored as a key contributor and received a reward.

Core concept

A person whose important contribution helps turn a task or goal into a success.

Common phrases

  • 被封为功臣bèi fēng wèi gōng chén

    be honored as a key contributor

  • 战场上的功臣zhàn chǎng shàng de gōng chén

    key contributor on the battlefield

Similar words

贡献者gòng xiàn zhě: A person who gives time or effort to a project or activity and helps it move forward.
骨干gǔ gàn: A central member who plays an important role in an organization or group.
英雄yīng xióng: A person admired for helping others or doing brave things in a difficult situation.

Definition in Chinese

为完成任务或取得成绩立下重要功劳的人。wèi wán chéng rèn wù huò qǔ dé chéng jì lì xià zhòng yào gōng láo de rén

Word origin

功臣 (gōngchén, "person of merit") combines 功 (gōng, "merit") with 臣 (chén, "subject or official"), originally naming a meritorious subject and later extending to any major contributor.

Usage tips

  • The word fits clear results better than routine assistance, so it is less natural when the outcome is still uncertain or the contribution is minor.

Other meanings

  • person of meritnoun
  • heronoun

Opposites

  • 罪人zuì réncriminalnoun
  • 叛徒pàn tútraitornoun

Word lists with this word