The core meaning of the kanji 献 is "to offer," "to dedicate," or "to present." It implies giving something, often with a sense of respect, sincerity, or service. This can range from offering a gift to dedicating oneself to a cause or idea.

・On-yomi (音読み): ケン (ken) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ささ-げる (sasa-geru)

⚫︎献立（こんだて） Translation: Menu; list of dishes ⚫︎献金（けんきん） Translation: Donation; contribution ⚫︎献身（けんしん） Translation: Dedication; devotion; self-sacrifice

The kanji 献 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字, けいせいもじ). The semantic component is 犬 (inu, dog) and the phonetic component is 具 (gu). Originally, the character depicted a dog being presented or offered, likely as a sacrifice. Over time, the meaning broadened to encompass the general concept of offering or dedicating. The 犬 component, in this context, signified the value or importance of the offering.