〜てくれる
This auxiliary verb suffix means someone is doing something nice for 'me' or 'us'.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Let's learn about 〜てくれる. It's a special ending for verbs in Japanese. When you see it, it means someone is doing something nice for YOU! Like when your mom gives you a toy, she is doing that for you. So, you can say 'Mom gives me a toy' using 〜てくれる. It shows that you are happy because someone did something good for you. It's like a little thank you in the sentence!
The Japanese auxiliary 〜てくれる is used to show that someone is performing an action for the benefit of the speaker or their group. Think of it as 'doing something for me'. For example, if a friend helps you with homework, they are helping you. In Japanese, you would use 〜てくれる to describe this action. It's important because it shows kindness and favors. You attach it to the te-form of a verb. So, 'help' (助ける - tasukeru) becomes 'helped me' (助けてくれる - tasukete kureru).
In Japanese, 〜てくれる is a vital auxiliary verb that expresses the idea of receiving a favor or benefit from someone's action. It's added to the te-form of a verb and signifies that the action is done by someone else specifically for the speaker or their in-group. This often carries a nuance of gratitude or acknowledgment. For instance, if a colleague shares their notes with you, they are sharing notes for you, which would be 「ノートを共有してくれる」(no-to o kyouyuu shite kureru). It's a common way to describe acts of kindness and assistance in daily interactions.
The auxiliary verb 〜てくれる plays a significant role in conveying social dynamics and politeness in Japanese. Attached to the te-form of a verb, it indicates that an action is performed by an external party for the benefit of the speaker or their ingroup, implying a received favor. The choice to use 〜てくれる highlights the speaker's perspective and acknowledges the benefactor. It's crucial to distinguish its usage from similar auxiliaries like 〜くれる (which is the base form) or 〜あげる (which implies giving a favor). Understanding the subtle differences in register and relationship is key to mastering 〜てくれる in various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal acknowledgments of service.
The auxiliary 〜てくれる serves as a grammatical marker for actions performed by an external agent that result in a benefit to the speaker or their ingroup. Its function extends beyond mere description of an action; it encodes a social transaction, framing the action as a favor received. The use of 〜てくれる implicitly positions the speaker as the recipient of kindness, thereby influencing the interpersonal dynamics of the communication. Advanced learners will appreciate how this auxiliary can subtly convey gratitude, dependence, or even a sense of obligation, depending on the broader context and the relationship between the speaker and the actor. Its careful application is essential for nuanced and culturally appropriate expression in Japanese.
The auxiliary 〜てくれる is a complex grammatical entity that reflects the intricate socio-linguistic fabric of Japanese. Its function as a marker of received favor transcends simple verb modification, embedding pragmatic and affective dimensions into sentence structure. Etymologically linked to the verb くれる (kureru, 'to give [to me/us]'), 〜てくれる encapsulates the act of giving an action, rather than an object, to the speaker's sphere of benefit. Mastery involves understanding its subtle interplay with other auxiliaries (e.g., 〜くださる for higher politeness, 〜あげる for giving favors), honorifics, and contextual cues that dictate its appropriateness. Its usage can range from expressing genuine appreciation to fulfilling politeness conventions, and its absence or misuse can lead to misinterpretations of social hierarchy and intent. Analyzing its deployment in literature, historical texts, and contemporary media reveals its enduring significance in expressing interpersonal relationships and social obligations.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 〜てくれる means someone is doing something nice FOR YOU.
- It's attached to the TE-FORM of a verb.
- It expresses receiving a favor or kindness.
- Use it for actions done by others, not yourself.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese auxiliary verb 〜てくれる. Think of it as a little helper that attaches to the end of a verb (specifically, its te-form) to tell us that someone is doing something for you or for us. It’s all about receiving a favor or a kindness from someone else. It’s not just about the action itself, but the positive feeling associated with it – someone is doing something nice that benefits you or your group!
Imagine your friend helps you carry your heavy bags. You wouldn't just say 'My friend carries bags'; you'd say 'My friend carries bags for me.' In Japanese, 〜てくれる captures that exact feeling. It’s a way to acknowledge and appreciate the actions of others that benefit you. This makes it a really important part of expressing gratitude and understanding social dynamics in Japanese conversation. It’s used all the time, so getting a handle on it will seriously boost your Japanese skills!
The auxiliary verb 〜てくれる has roots deep in the history of the Japanese language, evolving from older verb conjugations. Its core meaning of 'doing for someone' can be traced back to older forms that expressed the direction of an action. Over time, these grammatical structures solidified into the auxiliary forms we use today.
Linguists believe that the development of auxiliary verbs like 〜てくれる is linked to the need for more nuanced expression in language. As societies became more complex, so did the ways people needed to describe social interactions, especially those involving favors and reciprocity. The distinction between an action done for oneself versus an action done for another, particularly for the benefit of the speaker, became crucial. This evolution reflects a broader trend in language development where grammatical elements emerge to convey subtle social and emotional meanings. It's fascinating how a simple verb ending can carry so much cultural weight!
You'll find 〜てくれる popping up constantly in everyday Japanese! It's used whenever someone outside your immediate in-group does something beneficial for you or your group. For instance, if a stranger gives you directions, you'd say 「道を教えてくれる」(michi o oshiete kureru) – 'they tell me the way'. If your teacher explains something difficult, it's 「説明してくれる」(setsumei shite kureru) – 'they explain it to me'.
It's important to remember that 〜てくれる is generally used for actions done by people who are not part of your 'inner circle' (like close family or very close friends, for whom you might use 〜てあげる or 〜てやる, depending on the context and relationship). It implies a degree of gratitude or at least acknowledgment of a favor. You'll often see it paired with verbs related to giving, helping, telling, showing, or making things. Common collocations include 「助けてくれる」(tasukete kureru - to help me), 「話してくれる」(hanashite kureru - to talk to me), and 「作ってくれる」(tsukutte kureru - to make for me).
While 〜てくれる itself is a grammatical structure rather than a lexical item, its meaning is embedded in many expressions that highlight receiving help or kindness. Here are a few ways the concept is used:
- 顔を貸してくれる (kao o kashite kureru): Literally 'to lend a face', this means someone is willing to meet with you or help you out by their presence, often for a favor or a task. Example: 「友達が忙しいのに、相談に乗るために顔を貸してくれた。」(Tomodachi ga isogashii noni, soudan ni noru tame ni kao o kashite kureta. - Even though my friend was busy, they lent me their face to discuss my problem.)
- 手を貸してくれる (te o kashite kureru): This is a more direct way of saying 'to lend a hand' or 'to help'. Example: 「重い荷物を持つのに、誰かが手を貸してくれた。」(Omoi nimotsu o motsu noni, dareka ga te o kashite kureta. - Someone lent me a hand carrying the heavy luggage.)
- 声を聞かせてくれる (koe o kikasete kureru): To let someone hear your voice; often used when someone calls you or speaks to you. Example: 「久しぶりに母の声を聞かせてくれた。」(Hisashiburi ni haha no koe o kikasete kureta. - My mother let me hear her voice after a long time.)
- 時間を割いてくれる (jikan o saite kureru): To make time for someone, to spare time. Example: 「先生はいつも生徒のために時間を割いてくれる。」(Sensei wa itsumo seito no tame ni jikan o saite kureru. - The teacher always spares time for the students.)
- 心配してくれる (shinpai shite kureru): To worry about someone (in a caring way). Example: 「遠くにいる家族がいつも私のことを心配してくれる。」(Tooku ni iru kazoku ga itsumo watashi no koto o shinpai shite kureru. - My family, who are far away, always worry about me.)
The structure is straightforward: take the te-form of a verb and add 〜くれる. For example, 「読む」(yomu - to read) becomes 「読んでくれる」(yonde kureru - to read for me). 「する」(suru - to do) becomes 「してくれる」(shite kureru - to do for me).
Pronunciation is key! The 'te' sound is like the English 'te' in 'ten'. The 'ku' is like 'koo' in 'cool', and 're' is like 'reh'. The final 'ru' is a light flap, almost like a soft 'd' sound in American English, or a tapped 'r' in British English. So, it sounds like 'teh-koo-reh-roo'. Pay attention to the vowel sounds – they are pure and short.
When it comes to stress, Japanese is generally flatter than English, but there's a slight rise and fall. For 〜てくれる, the emphasis tends to be fairly even, perhaps with a tiny bit more stress on the 'ku' syllable. Rhyming words aren't a major feature of Japanese grammar in the same way as English, but you'll find many other auxiliary verbs ending in 〜る (like 〜あげる, 〜いる, 〜なる) that share a similar grammatical function and ending sound.
Fun Fact
The auxiliary 〜てくれる is so common that it's often taken for granted, but it's a key indicator of politeness and social awareness in Japanese communication.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'teh-koo-reh-roo', with a light flap on the 'r' sound, similar to the 'dd' in 'ladder'.
Pronounced 'tay-koo-ray-roo', with the 'r' sound being a quick flap, almost like a soft 'd'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'r' sound too strongly like an English 'r'.
- Adding an extra syllable or vowel sound.
- Incorrectly stressing the syllables; Japanese pronunciation is generally flatter.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand contextually, but requires recognizing the te-form.
Requires correct te-form conjugation and understanding of nuance.
Relatively easy to use in common situations, but nuances with politeness are important.
Commonly heard, requires distinguishing from similar auxiliaries.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Te-form
食べる (taberu) -> 食べて (tabete)
Auxiliary Verbs
Verbs that add meaning when attached to another verb.
Politeness Levels in Japanese
Using 〜ください vs. 〜くれ.
Examples by Level
母は私にケーキを作ってくれる。
Mom / me / cake / make-te / give-aux
〜てくれる shows someone doing something nice for you.
友達が宿題を手伝ってくれる。
Friend / homework / help-te / give-aux
The verb 'help' (手伝う) is in its te-form.
先生が本を貸してくれる。
Teacher / book / lend-te / give-aux
The verb 'lend' (貸す) is in its te-form.
猫が私のそばで寝てくれる。
Cat / my / side / sleep-te / give-aux
Even pets can 'do' things for you!
隣の人がドアを開けてくれる。
Neighbor / door / open-te / give-aux
The verb 'open' (開ける) is in its te-form.
犬がボールを運んでくれる。
Dog / ball / carry-te / give-aux
This shows the dog is doing a favor.
弟が部屋を掃除してくれる。
Younger brother / room / clean-te / give-aux
The verb 'clean' (掃除する) is in its te-form.
おばあさんが歌を歌ってくれる。
Grandmother / song / sing-te / give-aux
It means she is singing for you.
田中さんが私にプレゼントをくれた。
Tanaka-san / me / present / gave-te / gave-aux
くれる is the past tense of 〜てくれる.
友達が駅まで迎えに来てくれた。
Friend / station / pick up / come-te / gave-aux
The verb 'come' (来る) is in its te-form.
父が車で送ってくれた。
Father / car / send-off / te / gave-aux
送る (okuru) means to send or drive someone.
隣の人が私に傘を貸してくれた。
Neighbor / me / umbrella / lend-te / gave-aux
The verb 'lend' (貸す) is in its te-form.
同僚が会議の資料をコピーしてくれた。
Colleague / meeting / documents / copy-te / gave-aux
コピーする (kopii suru) means to copy.
医者が丁寧に説明してくれた。
Doctor / carefully / explain-te / gave-aux
丁寧に (teinei ni) means carefully or politely.
子供たちが私に花をくれた。
Children / me / flowers / gave-te / gave-aux
くれた is the past tense of 〜てくれる.
姉が私の部屋を掃除してくれた。
Older sister / my / room / clean-te / gave-aux
掃除する (souji suru) means to clean.
雨が降っていたので、同僚が傘に入れてくれた。
Rain / falling / was / so / colleague / umbrella / put-in-te / gave-aux
入れてくれる implies letting someone shelter under their umbrella.
困っていたら、見知らぬ人が助けてくれた。
Trouble / was / if / stranger / help-te / gave-aux
見知らぬ人 (mishiranu hito) means a stranger.
友人が、私のために美味しい料理を作ってくれた。
Friend / for me / delicious / food / make-te / gave-aux
The te-form of 作る (tsukuru) is 作って (tsukutte).
先生は、私の質問に丁寧に答えてくれた。
Teacher / my / question / politely / answer-te / gave-aux
答える (kotaeru) means to answer.
新しい職場では、先輩が色々と教えてくれる。
New workplace / senior / various things / teach-te / give-aux
先輩 (senpai) refers to a senior colleague.
彼はいつも私の話を辛抱強く聞いてくれる。
He / always / my / story / patiently / listen-te / give-aux
辛抱強く (shinbou tsuyoku) means patiently.
母が病気の私を看病してくれた。
Mother / sick / me / nurse-te / gave-aux
看病する (kanbyou suru) means to nurse someone.
駅員さんが、乗り換えを案内してくれた。
Station staff / transfer / guide-te / gave-aux
案内する (annai suru) means to guide or inform.
急いでいたので、隣人に駅まで車で送ってもらった。
In a hurry / was / so / neighbor / station / by car / send-off-te / received-aux
〜てもらう is used when the speaker receives the favor. Here, 送ってもらった implies the neighbor did the favor of driving.
彼女は、私が落ち込んでいる時にいつも話を聞いてくれる。
She / when I am depressed / always / story / listen-te / gives-aux
落ち込んでいる (ochikonde iru) means to be depressed or down.
そのボランティア活動では、多くの人々が地域のために奉仕してくれた。
That / volunteer activity / many / people / for the community / serve-te / gave-aux
奉仕する (houshi suru) means to serve or dedicate oneself.
彼は、私が新しいプロジェクトを始めるにあたり、貴重なアドバイスをしてくれた。
He / when I start new project / valuable / advice / do-te / gave-aux
〜にあたり (ni atari) means 'upon' or 'when starting'.
文化祭の準備で忙しかったが、クラスメイトが積極的に手伝ってくれたおかげで、無事終えることができた。
Cultural festival / preparation / busy / was / but / classmates / actively / help-te / gave-aux / thanks to / successfully / finish / was able to
おかげで (okage de) means 'thanks to', indicating a positive outcome due to someone's help.
長年勤めた会社を辞める際、上司が送別会を開いてくれた。
Many years / worked / company / quit / when / boss / farewell party / open-te / gave-aux
送別会 (soubetsukai) is a farewell party.
子供の急な発熱で仕事を休まざるを得なかったが、同僚が快く私の代わりに業務をこなしてくれた。
Child's sudden fever / because / work / take-leave / had to / but / colleague / willingly / my / instead / tasks / do-te / gave-aux
快く (kokoroyoku) means willingly or gladly.
その芸術家は、若手アーティストたちのために個展の機会を提供してくれた。
That / artist / young / artists / for / solo exhibition / opportunity / provide-te / gave-aux
個展 (koten) means a solo exhibition.
長年の友人であった彼が、私の窮状を救うために多額の資金援助をしてくれたことは、今でも感謝してもしきれない。
Many years / friend / was / he / my / plight / save / for / large amount / financial aid / do-te / gave-aux / this / even now / thank / cannot do enough
窮状 (kyuujou) refers to a state of extreme difficulty or distress.
不況下にもかかわらず、地域住民が積極的にボランティア活動に参加し、街の美化に貢献してくれた。
Economic downturn / under / despite / local residents / actively / volunteer activities / participate / town's beautification / contribute-te / gave-aux
不況下 (fukyouka) means 'under an economic recession'.
彼は、私がキャリアの岐路に立っていた際、自身の経験に基づいた的確な助言を与えてくれただけでなく、人脈をも紹介してくれた。
He / I / career / crossroads / stood / when / his own / experience / based on / accurate / advice / gave-aux / not only / connections / also / introduce-te / gave-aux
岐路 (kiro) signifies a crucial turning point or crossroads.
その大学教授は、学生たちの知的好奇心を刺激するため、しばしば学術的な枠を超えた興味深い講義をしてくれた。
That / university professor / students' / intellectual curiosity / stimulate / for / often / academic / framework / beyond / interesting / lectures / do-te / gave-aux
知的好奇心 (chiteki koukishin) refers to intellectual curiosity.
困難な交渉の末、相手方が譲歩の姿勢を示し、我々が望む条件を呑んでくれた。
Difficult / negotiation / end / other party / concession / attitude / showed / we / desired / terms / swallow-te / gave-aux
呑む (nomu) here metaphorically means to accept or concede.
彼女は、限られたリソースの中で、プロジェクトを成功に導くために創意工夫を凝らしてくれた。
She / limited / resources / within / project / to success / lead / for / ingenuity / devise-te / gave-aux
創意工夫を凝らす (soui kufuu o korasu) means to exercise ingenuity and creativity.
地域社会の活性化を目指し、多くの企業が資金提供や人材派遣といった形で協力してくれた。
Local community / revitalization / aim / many / companies / financial support / human resources dispatch / like / form / cooperate-te / gave-aux
活性化 (kasseika) means revitalization or activation.
そのベテラン俳優は、新人俳優たちに演技指導を行うだけでなく、精神的な支えにもなってくれた。
That / veteran actor / new actors / acting guidance / conduct / not only / mental / support / also / become-te / gave-aux
精神的な支え (seishinteki na sasae) means mental or emotional support.
長年の政敵であったにもかかわらず、国家の危機に際し、彼はかつてのライバルに手を差し伸べ、国難克服のために協力してくれた。
Many years / political rival / was / despite / nation's crisis / upon / he / former / rival / hand / extend / national hardship / overcome / for / cooperate-te / gave-aux
国難 (kokunan) refers to a national crisis or disaster.
その稀代の音楽家は、後進の育成に情熱を注ぎ、自らの経験と知識を惜しみなく伝授してくれた。
That / rare / musician / upcoming generation / nurturing / passion / poured / own / experience / and / knowledge / without hesitation / impart-te / gave-aux
稀代 (kidai) means rare, extraordinary, or unprecedented.
歴史的建造物の保存運動において、当初は懐疑的であった地元有力者たちが、最終的にはその文化的価値を認め、保存活動への支援を申し出てくれた。
Historic building / preservation movement / in / initially / skeptical / was / local influential figures / finally / its / cultural value / recognized / preservation activities / support / offer-te / gave-aux
有力者 (yuuryokusha) refers to influential people or figures.
彼は、私が人生の暗闇にいた時、一筋の希望の光を与えてくれた恩人であり、その恩義は生涯忘れられないだろう。
He / I / life's / darkness / was in / single ray / hope / light / gave-aux / benefactor / and / that / debt of gratitude / lifetime / cannot forget / will be
恩人 (onjin) is a benefactor or someone who has done a great service.
その哲学者による難解な理論体系は、長年にわたり多くの研究者たちを困惑させていたが、彼の晩年の著作は、その核心を平易な言葉で解き明かしてくれた。
That / philosopher / by / difficult / theoretical system / many years / many / researchers / confused / had been / his / later years / writings / its / core / simple / words / explain-te / gave-aux
難解 (nankai) means difficult to understand.
紛争地域からの避難民に対し、国際的な人道支援団体が食料、医薬品、そして避難場所の提供といった包括的な支援を行ってくれた。
Conflict zone / from / refugees / towards / international / humanitarian aid organizations / food / medicine / and / shelter / provision / like / comprehensive / support / do-te / gave-aux
包括的 (houkatsuteki) means comprehensive or all-encompassing.
彼女の類稀なる才能と弛まぬ努力は、チーム全体を鼓舞し、前例のない成果を達成する上で不可欠な推進力となってくれた。
Her / rare / talent / and / tireless / effort / team / entire / inspired / unprecedented / results / achieve / in / indispensable / driving force / become-te / gave-aux
類稀なる (tagui mare naru) means rare and exceptional.
その歴史家は、埋もれていた史料を丹念に発掘・分析し、長らく論争の的であった歴史的事件の真相を解明する上で決定的な光を当ててくれた。
That / historian / buried / historical materials / meticulously / excavate / analyze / long / point of contention / was / historical event / truth / clarify / in / decisive / light / shine-te / gave-aux
史料 (shiryou) refers to historical materials or documents.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"顔を貸してくれる"
To lend one's face; to agree to meet or help someone, often by being present.
忙しいのに、相談に乗るために友達が顔を貸してくれた。
casual/neutral"手を貸してくれる"
To lend a hand; to help someone.
重い荷物を持つのに、通りすがりの人が手を貸してくれた。
neutral"声を聞かせてくれる"
To let someone hear one's voice; often implies a call or communication.
遠くにいる家族が、時々電話で声を聞かせてくれる。
neutral"時間を割いてくれる"
To spare time for someone; to make time.
先生は、生徒たちのためにいつも時間を割いてくれる。
neutral"心配してくれる"
To worry about someone (in a caring way).
母は、私が一人暮らしなのでいつも心配してくれる。
neutral"親切にしてくれる"
To be kind to someone.
新しい職場の人たちがとても親切にしてくれる。
neutralEasily Confused
Both are auxiliary verbs attached to the te-form and describe actions involving favors.
〜てくれる is for receiving a favor; 〜てあげる is for giving a favor.
友達が私に宿題を教えてくれる。(Friend teaches me homework - I receive.) vs. 友達に宿題を教えてあげる。(I teach friend homework - I give.)
Both relate to receiving favors.
〜てくれる emphasizes the benefactor's action and goodwill; 〜てもらう emphasizes the speaker's reception of the favor. Often interchangeable, but 〜てもらう focuses more on the speaker's perspective of receiving.
先生が教えてくれる。(Teacher teaches me - focus on teacher's action) vs. 先生に教えてもらう。(I receive teaching from teacher - focus on my reception.)
Both indicate receiving a favor.
〜てくださる is the polite/honorific form of 〜てくれる, used for superiors or showing extra respect.
上司が資料をコピーしてくれた。(Boss copied docs for me - neutral) vs. 上司が資料をコピーしてくださった。(Boss copied docs for me - polite/respectful)
Both describe doing favors.
〜てやる is used when doing a favor for someone of lower status (or an animal) and can sound condescending towards equals or superiors. 〜てくれる is for receiving favors.
弟にゲームを貸してやる。(I lend game to younger brother - condescending) vs. 友達がゲームを貸してくれる。(Friend lends me game - I receive.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + は/が + Object + を + Verb(te-form) + くれる。
友達は私にプレゼントを買ってくれる。
Subject + は/が + Verb(te-form) + くれる + past tense (くれた)。
隣の人がドアを開けてくれた。
Subject + は/が + (Time/Place) + Verb(te-form) + くれる。
母が毎日お弁当を作ってくれる。
Subject + は/が + (Reason/Manner) + Verb(te-form) + くれる。
彼は辛抱強く私の話を聞いてくれる。
Subject + は/が + (Purpose/Situation) + Verb(te-form) + くれる。
困っている時に、誰かが助けてくれる。
Word Family
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
〜てくれる specifically indicates receiving a favor from someone else. You cannot use it to describe your own actions.
〜てくれる is for receiving, while 〜てあげる/〜てやる are for giving favors.
〜てくれる is generally neutral to friendly. For superiors, more polite forms are required.
While closely related, 〜てくれる emphasizes the benefactor's action, while 〜てもらう emphasizes the speaker's reception of the favor.
The auxiliary 〜くれる attaches to the te-form (e.g., 食べる -> 食べてくれる, not 食べるくれる).
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Cool Roo' (〜てくれる) character who always brings you gifts and helps you out. Associate the sound with the meaning of receiving a favor.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for it when someone offers you help, shares something, or does anything that benefits you. It's a very common marker of everyday kindness.
Cultural Insight
Japanese culture values reciprocity and acknowledging favors. 〜てくれる is a linguistic tool that helps maintain social harmony by recognizing these acts of kindness.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: Te-form + くれる = Someone did something nice FOR ME.
Say It Right
Focus on the short, clear vowels and the flapped 'r' sound. Practice saying 'teh-koo-reh-roo' smoothly.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 〜てくれる when you are the one doing the favor. That's 〜てあげる!
Did You Know?
The verb くれる (kureru) itself means 'to give (to me/us)', making the auxiliary 〜てくれる a natural extension: 'to give the action of X (to me/us)'.
Study Smart
Keep a 'favor journal' for a day. Write down every nice thing someone does for you and try to phrase it using 〜てくれる.
Verb Forms Matter
Always ensure you're using the correct te-form of the main verb before adding 〜くれる. For example, する becomes して, not するて.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Koo-Reh-Roo' sounding like 'Cool, you do that for me!'
Visual Association
Imagine someone handing you a gift with a smile, saying 'Here, I did this for you!'
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe 3 things people did for you today using 〜てくれる.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: The verb くれる (kureru) originally meant 'to give' (to the speaker or their in-group). The auxiliary 〜てくれる extends this concept to actions.
Cultural Context
Using the correct auxiliary verb (〜てくれる vs. 〜てあげる vs. 〜てくださる) is crucial for showing respect and maintaining appropriate social relationships.
In English, we often use phrases like 'do something for me', 'give me the favor of', or rely on context and tone to convey the same meaning. The direct grammatical marking in Japanese is more explicit.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Receiving help with tasks
- 宿題を手伝ってくれる (Help with homework)
- 荷物を持ってくれる (Carry luggage)
- コピーをしてくれる (Make copies)
Receiving gifts or items
- プレゼントを買ってくれる (Buy a present)
- 本を貸してくれる (Lend a book)
- お菓子を作ってくれる (Make sweets)
Receiving information or explanations
- 道を教えてくれる (Tell me the way)
- 説明してくれる (Explain)
- 教えてくれる (Teach/Tell)
Receiving emotional support
- 話を聞いてくれる (Listen to my story)
- 心配してくれる (Worry about me)
- 励ましてくれる (Encourage me)
Conversation Starters
"昨日、友達が〇〇してくれたんだけど、すごく嬉しかったんだ！"
"誰かがあなたにしてくれた一番親切なことって何？"
"もし誰かがあなたのために何かしてくれるとしたら、何をお願いしたい？"
"最近、誰かに助けてもらったことはある？どんなことだった？"
"あなたの周りの人で、いつも親切にしてくれる人は誰ですか？"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time someone did something nice for you and how it made you feel. Use 〜てくれる.
Describe a situation where you received help. Who helped you and what did they do?
Think about someone you are grateful for. What kind things do they do for you? Use 〜てくれる.
Imagine you are visiting Japan. What kind of help might you hope someone would offer you? Use 〜てくれる.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsBoth indicate receiving a favor. 〜てくれる focuses on the benefactor's action ('they do X for me'), while 〜てもらう focuses on the speaker receiving the favor ('I receive X from them'). They are often interchangeable but have slightly different nuances.
Generally, yes, especially if the action is a favor. However, for very close family members, 〜てあげる (doing a favor for them) or even 〜てやる might be used depending on the relationship and context. 〜てくれる is safe for most everyday favors from family.
It's generally neutral to friendly. For superiors or very formal situations, 〜てくださる is preferred. Using 〜てくれる with someone much higher in status might sound impolite.
The past tense is くれた (kureta). For example, 'My friend helped me' is 友達が助けてくれた (Tomodachi ga tasukete kureta).
If you are doing the favor for someone else, you use 〜てあげる (te ageru) or 〜てやる (te yaru), depending on the relationship.
No, 〜てくれる is used for actions performed by people (or sometimes personified animals) for the benefit of the speaker.
You use the te-form of 'to give' (あげる - ageru -> あげて - agete) and add くれる: あげてくれる (agete kureru). For example, 'He gave me a book' is 彼が本をあげてくれる (Kare ga hon o agete kureru).
〜てくださる is the honorific (polite) version of 〜てくれる. You use 〜てくださる when the benefactor is of higher social standing or when you want to show extra respect.
Test Yourself
友達が宿題を＿＿＿＿＿＿。
〜てくれる is used when someone does something for you. 手伝う (tasukeru) means to help.
Which sentence correctly expresses 'My teacher gave me advice'?
〜てくれる is used when receiving a favor from someone like a teacher.
If your friend cooks dinner for you, you would say 「友達が夕食を作ってくれる」.
This correctly uses 〜てくれる to show your friend did something nice for you.
Word
Meaning
These are common verbs used with the 〜てくれる auxiliary.
The correct order is 'Father drove me to the station'. 父が (father) + 駅まで (to the station) + 車で (by car) + 送って (drive/send off te-form) + くれた (past tense of 〜てくれる).
お母さんが美味しいケーキを＿＿＿＿＿＿。
This shows your mother is doing something nice for you.
Which auxiliary verb should you use if a stranger helps you?
〜てくれる is appropriate for receiving a favor from someone outside your close group.
You would use 〜てくれる if you helped your friend.
You use 〜てくれる when someone helps YOU. You use 〜てあげる when you help someone else.
The correct order is 'My friend listened to my story'. 友達が (my friend) + 私の (my) + 話 (story) + 聞いて (listen te-form) + くれた (past tense of 〜てくれる).
先生が丁寧に＿＿＿＿＿＿。
This indicates the teacher is doing the favor of teaching you.
Which sentence implies a higher level of politeness when receiving a favor from a boss?
〜てくださる is the polite form of 〜てくれる, appropriate for superiors.
The correct order is 'People helped me in a difficult situation'. 人々が (people) + 私を (me) + 困難な (difficult) + 状況で (situation) + 助けて (help te-form) + くれた (past tense of 〜てくれる).
Score: /12
Summary
〜てくれる is your go-to phrase when someone does you a favor, showing gratitude and acknowledging their kindness.
- 〜てくれる means someone is doing something nice FOR YOU.
- It's attached to the TE-FORM of a verb.
- It expresses receiving a favor or kindness.
- Use it for actions done by others, not yourself.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Cool Roo' (〜てくれる) character who always brings you gifts and helps you out. Associate the sound with the meaning of receiving a favor.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for it when someone offers you help, shares something, or does anything that benefits you. It's a very common marker of everyday kindness.
Cultural Insight
Japanese culture values reciprocity and acknowledging favors. 〜てくれる is a linguistic tool that helps maintain social harmony by recognizing these acts of kindness.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: Te-form + くれる = Someone did something nice FOR ME.
Example
彼が駅まで送ってくれた。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
