Definition

1. Verb (archaic/historical):
   • To present tribute; to offer tribute: The act of a smaller or subordinate state presenting valuable local products, gifts, or payments to a larger, more powerful, or suzerain state as a sign of submission, allegiance, or to secure peace.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Các nước chư hầu phải tiến cống cho hoàng đế mỗi ba năm một lần. (The vassal states had to present tribute to the emperor once every three years.)
  • Sản vật quý nhất của vùng đất này thường được dùng để tiến cống. (The most precious products of this land were often used as tribute offerings.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "tiến cống" is primarily used in historical contexts, describing a common practice in feudal and imperial systems, especially in East Asian history. It implies a formal, ritualized, and often mandatory relationship between political entities.

Variants and Related Words

• Cống nạp (v): to pay tribute; to submit tribute. A close synonym often used interchangeably with "tiến cống."
  • Vương quốc đó cống nạp ngọc trai và vàng. (That kingdom paid tribute in pearls and gold.)
• Đồ cống (n): tribute items; goods offered as tribute.
  • Đoàn sứ giả mang theo nhiều đồ cống. (The envoy delegation carried many tribute items.)

Synonyms

• Pay tribute: To offer money or goods to a conqueror or superior power.
• Offer tribute: To present gifts as an acknowledgment of submission or respect.

Related Idioms

• While "tiến cống" itself is a specific term, the concept is central to historical phrases like:
  • Mang lễ vật triều cống: To bring gifts for imperial tribute. This describes the physical act of delivering tribute to the imperial court.