Translation guide
The act of giving something to someone in Japanese depends on social relationships, direction of giving, and politeness. Key verbs are あげる, くれる, and もらう (receiving), but here we focus on giving. The choice between あげる and くれる hinges on whether the giver is the speaker (or in-group) or someone else giving to the speaker (or in-group).
When the speaker or someone in the speaker's in-group gives something to someone outside that group.
The most common verb for giving when the giver is the speaker or in-group member. Used for giving objects. Can sound slightly casual; use 差し上げる for formal situations.
友達にプレゼントをあげた。
I gave a present to my friend.
母は隣の人にケーキをあげました。
My mother gave cake to the neighbor.
Humble form of あげる, used when the recipient is of higher status. Shows respect to the receiver.
先生に本を差し上げました。
I gave a book to the teacher (humble).
Used for giving to someone of lower status, animals, or plants. Can sound rough or condescending if used for people.
Avoid using for people unless you are very close or it's clearly a joke; it can be insulting.
犬に餌をやった。
I gave food to the dog.
When someone outside the speaker's in-group gives something to the speaker or an in-group member.
Used when someone gives to the speaker or the speaker's in-group. The giver is the subject, and the recipient is marked with に. Implies a sense of gratitude or benefit.
友達がプレゼントをくれた。
My friend gave me a present.
先生が弟に本をくれました。
The teacher gave my younger brother a book.
Honorific form of くれる, used when the giver is of higher status. Shows respect to the giver.
Expressing that someone does something for someone else as a favor, using the te-form of a verb plus あげる/くれる/もらう.
Attach to te-form of verb to mean 'do something for someone'. The speaker does a favor for someone else. Can sound presumptuous if used directly to the recipient; often softened in requests.
荷物を持ってあげた。
I carried the luggage for him/her.
教えてあげましょうか。
Shall I teach you? (offering a favor)
Used when someone does a favor for the speaker or in-group. Expresses gratitude. The subject is the giver of the favor.
友達が手伝ってくれた。
My friend helped me (and I'm grateful).
母が弁当を作ってくれました。
My mother made a lunch for me.
Honorific version of 〜てくれる, used when the favor-giver is of higher status.
先生が推薦状を書いてくださいました。
The teacher wrote a recommendation letter for me (honorific).
Using specific verbs for giving in formal, business, or written Japanese.
Means 'to give as a gift' or 'to present'. Used for formal gift-giving, awards, or dedications.
卒業生に記念品を贈った。
We presented a memento to the graduates.
Means 'to provide' or 'to offer' services, information, or goods. Common in business and technical contexts.
当社は高品質のサービスを提供します。
Our company provides high-quality services.
Means 'to give' in a more abstract or formal sense, such as giving influence, permission, or damage. Not used for casual gift-giving.
Informal ways to say 'give' among friends or in casual settings.
Casual and sometimes rough way to say 'give'. Can be used among close friends, but be careful with nuance.
Can sound rude if used inappropriately. Often replaced by あげる in polite conversation.
これ、やるよ。
Here, you can have this. (very casual)
In casual speech, くれる can be used in its plain form to ask for something or comment on someone giving. Often used with 〜てくれる?
それ、くれる？
Can I have that? (lit. Will you give me that?)
The choice depends on the direction of giving relative to the speaker's in-group. Use あげる when the giver is the speaker or in-group member giving to an outsider. Use くれる when an outsider gives to the speaker or in-group member. This distinction is crucial for natural Japanese.
私は友達に花をあげた。
I gave flowers to my friend.
友達が私に花をくれた。
My friend gave me flowers.
English 'give' can be used in many abstract ways (give a speech, give up, give a look) that do not directly translate to あげる/くれる. Use specific Japanese verbs or expressions instead.
部長がお土産をくださいました。
The department manager gave us souvenirs (honorific).
その経験は彼に自信を与えた。
That experience gave him confidence.