Translation guide
The English pattern 'do ... for' is used to express performing an action for someone's benefit. In Japanese, this is typically expressed using the giving/receiving verb constructions ～てあげる, ～てくれる, or ～てもらう, depending on the direction of the favor and the speaker's perspective. The choice among these is crucial for natural and polite Japanese.
Express that the speaker (or someone in the speaker's in-group) performs an action as a favor for someone else.
This pattern means 'do something for someone.' It is used when the speaker (or their in-group) does a favor for someone else. Be cautious: using it directly to the person you helped can sound condescending or like you're emphasizing the favor. Often softened in polite speech.
Using あげる directly to the recipient can sound patronizing. In polite situations, consider using humble language or rephrasing.
友達に宿題を手伝ってあげた。
I helped my friend with their homework.
I'll cook for my mother.
Humble form of ～てあげる. Used when the recipient is of higher status or to show extra politeness.
先生に資料をコピーしてさしあげました。
I copied the materials for the teacher.
Casual or rough equivalent of ～てあげる. Often used when the recipient is of lower status, a pet, or a plant, or among close male friends. Can sound arrogant if used inappropriately.
Can sound condescending or rough. Avoid in polite conversation.
犬に餌をやってやった。
I fed the dog (for its benefit).
Express that someone does a favor for the speaker or the speaker's in-group.
This pattern means 'someone does something for me/us.' It expresses gratitude or acknowledges a favor received from someone else. The giver is marked with が (or は), and the receiver (usually the speaker) is often omitted.
友達が宿題を手伝ってくれた。
My friend helped me with my homework.
母が料理を作ってくれます。
My mother cooks for me.
Honorific form of ～てくれる. Used when the giver is of higher status or to show respect.
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.
Express that the speaker gets someone to do a favor, often implying a request or receiving a benefit.
This pattern means 'get someone to do something for me/us.' It focuses on the speaker receiving the action, often after a request. The giver is marked with に.
友達に宿題を手伝ってもらった。
I got my friend to help me with my homework.
母に料理を作ってもらいます。
I'll have my mother cook for me.
Humble form of ～てもらう. Used when the giver is of higher status or to show politeness.
先生に推薦状を書いていただきました。
I had the teacher write a recommendation letter for me.
Express doing an action for someone's benefit or in their place, often using のために.
This pattern means 'do V for the sake of N.' It can be used with any verb, not just giving/receiving verbs, and emphasizes the beneficiary.
家族のために働いています。
I work for my family.
あなたのためにケーキを焼きました。
I baked a cake for you.
Means 'do V on behalf of N' or 'in place of N.' Used when substituting for someone.
社長にかわって私がご挨拶いたします。
I will give the greeting on behalf of the president.
These three patterns express giving and receiving of actions. あげる is used when the speaker gives to someone else; くれる when someone gives to the speaker; もらう when the speaker receives from someone. The choice depends on the direction of the favor and the speaker's perspective.
私は友達に本を貸してあげた。
I lent a book to my friend.
友達が私に本を貸してくれた。
My friend lent me a book.
私は友達に本を貸してもらった。
I got my friend to lend me a book.
English 'for' is not directly translated as a single Japanese word in these constructions. The giving/receiving verbs inherently carry the meaning of doing something for someone. Using のために with every verb can sound unnatural or overly emphatic.