Use 'ageru' when giving something to someone who is not your superior.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to express giving something to someone else.
- Indicates a favor done for another person.
- Requires careful usage regarding social hierarchy.
1) 概要: 「あげる」は、日本語の授受動詞の一つで、話し手（または身内）が第三者に対して何かを与えたり、何らかの行為をしてあげたりする際に使います。相手を立てるニュアンスが含まれます。
2) 使用パターン: 基本的な文型は「AはBに（を）～をあげる」です。物を与える場合は「AはBに本をあげる」、行為を施す場合は「AはBに料理を作ってあげる」という形で使われます。
3) 一般的な文脈: 友人や同僚、目下の人に対して使うのが一般的です。ただし、目上の人に対して使うと失礼になることがあるため、相手との関係性に注意が必要です。
4) 類似語との比較: 「やる」は自分より下の対象や動植物に対して使われます。「差し上げる」は「あげる」の謙譲語で、目上の人に対して使う丁寧な表現です。
Examples
友達に誕生日プレゼントをあげる。
everydayI will give a birthday present to my friend.
先生に花を差し上げました。
formalI gave flowers to my teacher.
昨日、弟に本を読んであげた。
informalI read a book to my younger brother yesterday.
学生に資料を配布してあげる。
academicI will distribute the materials to the students.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
～してあげる
do a favor for someone
お祝いをあげる
give a celebratory gift
Often Confused With
Kureru is used when someone else gives something to the speaker. It focuses on receiving a favor.
Morau is used when the speaker receives something. It focuses on the action of taking possession.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Ageru is used when the speaker gives something to a third party. It is considered neutral but can sound condescending if used toward superiors. Always use the te-form (verb + te-ageru) when performing a service for someone.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use 'ageru' for superiors, which is incorrect. Another error is using 'ni' incorrectly or omitting the recipient entirely. Ensure the relationship between giver and receiver is clear.
Tips
Focus on the direction of giving
Always remember that 'ageru' flows away from the speaker. Visualize an arrow pointing from yourself to the recipient.
Avoid using with superiors
Using 'ageru' toward a boss or teacher sounds condescending. Use 'sashiageru' to show proper respect.
The importance of social hierarchy
Japanese language strictly distinguishes status. Choosing the right verb is essential to maintain social harmony.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'agaru' (to rise/go up). It implies the act of lifting a gift to offer it to another person.
Cultural Context
Japanese society values reciprocity and social distance. The use of 'ageru' reflects the speaker's recognition of their position relative to the receiver.
Memory Tip
Think of 'ageru' like 'ascending' or 'lifting' a gift up to someone. It is an act of elevation toward the recipient (unless they are your superior).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsいいえ、避けるべきです。目上の人には「差し上げる」を使うのが適切です。
「あげる」は自分が与える側ですが、「くれる」は相手が自分に与えてくれる場合に使います。
相手との関係や言い方によっては「恩着せがましい」と感じられることがあるため、親しい間柄以外では注意が必要です。
「餌をやる」と言うのが一般的ですが、最近はペットを家族のように扱い「餌をあげる」と言う人も増えています。
Test Yourself
私は友達___プレゼントをあげた。
授受動詞において、受け取り手を示す助詞は「に」です。
Score: /1
Summary
Use 'ageru' when giving something to someone who is not your superior.
- Used to express giving something to someone else.
- Indicates a favor done for another person.
- Requires careful usage regarding social hierarchy.
Focus on the direction of giving
Always remember that 'ageru' flows away from the speaker. Visualize an arrow pointing from yourself to the recipient.
Avoid using with superiors
Using 'ageru' toward a boss or teacher sounds condescending. Use 'sashiageru' to show proper respect.
The importance of social hierarchy
Japanese language strictly distinguishes status. Choosing the right verb is essential to maintain social harmony.
Examples
4 of 4友達に誕生日プレゼントをあげる。
I will give a birthday present to my friend.
先生に花を差し上げました。
I gave flowers to my teacher.
昨日、弟に本を読んであげた。
I read a book to my younger brother yesterday.
学生に資料を配布してあげる。
I will distribute the materials to the students.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
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B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
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