Translation guide
The English verb 'give' covers many situations. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is given, to whom, and the social relationship. The core distinction is between あげる (give to others/out-group) and くれる (give to me/in-group). For physical objects, 渡す (hand over) is common. For abstract things like advice or permission, other verbs are used.
Expressing the physical act of handing something over or transferring possession.
Use when the giver is the speaker (or in-group) and the receiver is someone else. Implies a downward or equal relationship; can sound presumptuous if the receiver is of higher status.
友達にプレゼントをあげた。
I gave a present to my friend.
Use when someone gives something to the speaker or the speaker's in-group. The giver is the subject marked with が or は. Conveys a sense of gratitude or favor.
Focuses on the physical act of handing something over. Neutral regarding social direction. Often used when the transfer is direct and immediate.
Humble form of あげる. Use when the giver is the speaker and the receiver is of higher status. Very polite.
Honorific form of くれる. Use when someone of higher status gives something to the speaker. Shows respect to the giver.
Giving abstract things like advice, permission, information, or an opportunity.
Specifically giving something as a gift, often on special occasions.
Loanword from English 'present'. Very common for casual gift-giving.
彼女に花をプレゼントした。
I gave her flowers as a present.
Granting someone the right or freedom to do something.
Pattern meaning 'it's okay to do ~'. Used to give permission casually.
ここで写真を撮ってもいいですよ。
You can take pictures here. (I give you permission.)
Delivering a speech, lecture, concert, etc.
Surrendering, quitting, or handing over control.
Producing light, smell, sound, etc.
Literary verb for emitting light, smell, or aura.
Making a phone call or sending a message.
あげる means 'give' from the speaker's perspective outward. くれる means 'give' from someone else to the speaker/in-group. もらう means 'receive'. The choice depends on who is the giver and who is the receiver relative to the speaker's in-group. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural or rude.
私は友達に本をあげた。
I gave a book to my friend.
友達が私に本をくれた。
My friend gave me a book.
私は友達に本をもらった。
I received a book from my friend.
駅まで乗せてくれませんか。
Can you give me a ride to the station?
おばあさんに席を譲った。
I gave my seat to an elderly woman.
先生は私たちにたくさん宿題を出した。
The teacher gave us a lot of homework.
My mother gave me money.
Please hand the documents to the receptionist.
社長にお土産を差し上げました。
I gave a souvenir to the company president.
先生が推薦状をくださいました。
The teacher gave me a letter of recommendation.
General verb for giving abstract things (influence, impression, permission, etc.). Can be used in both directions. Often formal or written.
この本は多くの人に影響を与えた。
This book gave many people influence. (influenced many people)
Attach to a verb's て-form to mean 'do something for someone'. Implies a favor. Use with care as it can sound condescending.
荷物を持ってあげる。
I'll carry your luggage for you.
Attach to a verb's て-form to mean 'someone does something for me/us'. Expresses gratitude.
友達が手伝ってくれた。
My friend helped me (gave me help).
Formal term for providing services, information, or opportunities. Common in business contexts.
当社は無料で情報を提供しています。
Our company provides information free of charge.
Formal verb for giving a gift, often used for ceremonial or official gifts.
卒業生に記念品を贈った。
We gave the graduates a commemorative gift.
Formal verb for granting permission. Used in official contexts.
上司が休暇を許可してくれた。
My boss gave me permission to take a vacation.
Means 'to hold' or 'conduct' an event. Commonly used for speeches, ceremonies, concerts.
彼は講演を行った。
He gave a lecture.
Simple verb 'to do'. Used with nouns like スピーチ (speech) to mean 'give a speech'.
彼女はスピーチをした。
She gave a speech.
Means 'to give up' on a goal or attempt. Not for giving objects.
彼は夢を諦めた。
He gave up on his dream.
Means 'to yield' or 'hand over' a right, seat, or position to someone else.
お年寄りに席を譲った。
I gave up my seat to an elderly person.
その花は強い香りを放っていた。
The flower gave off a strong scent.
General verb for putting out or emitting something. Used for sound, light, smoke.
ストーブが熱を出している。
The stove is giving off heat.
明日連絡します。
I'll give you a call/message tomorrow.
Saying '私にあげて' is incorrect. Use 'ください' for polite requests, or 'ちょうだい' in casual speech. For favors, use '〜てください' or '〜てくれませんか'.
それをください。
Please give me that.
手伝ってくれませんか。
Could you give me a hand?
The auxiliary verbs 〜てあげる and 〜てくれる add the nuance of doing a favor. 〜てあげる can sound patronizing if used directly to a superior; it's safer to use 〜ましょうか (shall I?) or simply describe the action without the favor nuance.
お手伝いしましょうか。
Shall I help you? (safer than 手伝ってあげる)
Saying '私にあげて' is incorrect. Use 'ください' for polite requests, or 'ちょうだい' in casual speech. For favors, use '〜てください' or '〜てくれませんか'.
それをください。
Please give me that.
手伝ってくれませんか。
Could you give me a hand?
The auxiliary verbs 〜てあげる and 〜てくれる add the nuance of doing a favor. 〜てあげる can sound patronizing if used directly to a superior; it's safer to use 〜ましょうか (shall I?) or simply describe the action without the favor nuance.
お手伝いしましょうか。
Shall I help you? (safer than 手伝ってあげる)