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.
I gave a present to my friend.
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.
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.
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.
My friend gave me a present.
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.
I carried the luggage for him/her.
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.
My friend helped me (and I'm grateful).
Honorific version of 〜てくれる, used when the favor-giver is of higher status.
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.
We presented a memento to the graduates.
Means 'to provide' or 'to offer' services, information, or goods. Common in business and technical contexts.
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.
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?
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.
I gave flowers to my friend.
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).
母が弁当を作ってくれました。
My mother made a lunch for me.
その経験は彼に自信を与えた。
That experience gave him confidence.
Can I have that? (lit. Will you give me that?)