Translation guide
The English word "offer" covers several distinct meanings, from presenting something for acceptance to volunteering or proposing. Japanese uses different words and patterns depending on the nuance.
When you hold out or make available something (a physical object, help, a deal) to someone, giving them the choice to take it.
Literally 'to hold out and present'. Used for physically offering an object, or metaphorically offering help, a hand, etc.
彼は私に椅子を差し出した。
He offered me a chair.
To provide, supply, or make available. Common for services, information, opportunities, etc. Slightly formal.
会社は無料の研修を提供している。
The company offers free training.
Casual 'to give'. When offering something to someone of equal or lower status. Often used with '〜ましょうか' for offers.
Using あげる to a superior can be rude; use 差し上げる (さしあげる) instead.
コーヒーをあげましょうか。
Shall I offer you some coffee?
To recommend or urge someone to take something (food, drink, a course of action). Implies 'please have this'.
母は客にお茶を勧めた。
My mother offered tea to the guests.
When you volunteer to perform an action for someone, often using 'I'll ...' or 'Shall I ...?' in English.
Polite volitional form used to offer to do something. 'Shall I ...?'
荷物を持ちましょうか。
Shall I carry your luggage? (offering to carry)
Casual volitional form for offering among friends or family.
手伝おうか。
Want me to help? (offering to help)
To do something for someone as a favor. Can sound condescending if used inappropriately.
Avoid using 〜してあげる directly to superiors; use 〜しましょうか or humble forms.
駅まで送ってあげる。
I'll give you a ride to the station. (offering a ride)
When you put forward a suggestion, bid, or proposal for consideration.
To propose, suggest. Used for ideas, plans, solutions.
新しい計画を提案した。
I offered a new plan.
To make an offer, volunteer, or propose formally. Often used for offers of help, marriage, or business.
彼は援助を申し出た。
He offered assistance.
To present, show, or put forward (a price, condition, evidence). Common in business contexts.
彼らは新しい価格を提示した。
They offered a new price.
To bring up a topic or proposal, often implying a suggestion that might be advantageous or tricky.
When something makes available a quality, benefit, or chance.
To give, provide, afford. Used for abstract things like opportunities, impressions, influence.
この仕事は多くのチャンスを与えてくれる。
This job offers many opportunities.
To be equipped with, have (a feature). Used for inherent qualities or facilities.
When you 'offer' prayers, thanks, or sacrifices.
To dedicate, offer up. Used for prayers, flowers, sacrifices, or one's life.
彼は神に祈りを捧げた。
He offered a prayer to God.
In many situations, Japanese uses a specific verb or pattern rather than a single word for 'offer'. For example, offering food or drink often uses 勧める or どうぞ, while offering to do something uses the volitional form 〜ましょうか. Translating 'offer' as オファーする is only appropriate in business or entertainment contexts (e.g., job offers, film offers).
差し出す is physical or metaphorical 'holding out', 提供する is 'providing' a service or thing for use, and 提案する is 'proposing' an idea or plan. Choose based on what is being offered.
彼は取引を持ちかけた。
He offered a deal.
このホテルは素晴らしい設備を備えている。
This hotel offers excellent facilities.