offering, counter for drinks, present, offer
献 centers on formally giving something to a higher person or cause: presenting an offering, dedicating a gift, or serving a drink. The counter-for-drinks sense is a specific application of offering a drink to someone.
献 is the modern simplified form of 獻. The older form combines 鬳 (a vessel) with 犬 (dog), suggesting a sacrificial offering of a dog in a vessel. The modern form replaces the left side with 南, which is a simplification.
The left side 南 can be thought of as a ceremonial stand, and the right side 犬 is a dog. Imagine presenting a dog on a stand as a formal offering.
For ケン, picture Ken offering a drink to his guest: Ken -> ケン, and he presents it with both hands.
contribution (furthering a goal or cause); services (to a cause)
literature; books (reference); document
devotion; dedication; self-sacrifice
blood donation
donation; contribution; offering
presenting (to)
menu; bill of fare
flower offering; floral tribute; laying flowers
body donation
dedication; presentation; consecration; offer (to a shrine)
complimentary copy of a book
one cup (of sake)
presentation; dedication
illegal donation; secret contribution
primary document
three-times-three exchange of nuptial cups
three-times-three exchange of nuptial cups
secondary document
tithes
items offered to deities (Jōmon period)