Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 上げる (ageru). It means to lift something up, like a toy! Or it can mean to give something, like a smile. You can lift your hand up high. You can give your friend a drawing. Ageru is a verb, an action word. It is used when you do something. You can lift a ball. You can give a flower. It is a very useful word!
Ageru (上げる) is a common Japanese verb with two main meanings: 'to raise/lift' and 'to give'. When you lift something, like a book or your hand, you use ageru. For example, 'I raise my hand' is Te o ageru. It's also used when you give something to someone, like a present to a friend. 'I give a present' is Purezento o ageru. Remember, it's often used for giving to friends or people you know well.
The Japanese verb ageru (上げる) is highly versatile, primarily translating to 'to raise/lift' and 'to give'. Physically, you ageru objects, like lifting a box (箱を上げる - hako o ageru). Figuratively, you can ageru your voice (声を上げる - koe o ageru) or raise the volume (音を上げる - oto o ageru). As for 'giving', ageru is used when presenting something to someone of equal or lesser social standing, such as giving a gift to a friend (友達にギフトをあげる - tomodachi ni gifuto o ageru). Mastering its usage in different contexts is key to fluent communication.
Ageru (上げる) is a fundamental Japanese verb encompassing actions of elevation and bestowal. Its semantic range includes physically lifting objects (e.g., te o ageru - raise one's hand) and abstract increases, such as raising prices (値段を上げる - nedan o ageru) or raising one's spirits. The 'giving' aspect is context-dependent; ageru is typically employed when gifting to peers or juniors. For superiors, the humble verb sashiageru is preferred. Idiomatic uses are frequent, like choushi o ageru (to get into high spirits), demonstrating its cultural embedding.
The verb ageru (上げる) exhibits significant polysemy, extending from its core meaning of physical elevation to encompass abstract concepts of increase, bestowal, and even initiation. Its application in contexts like raising a question (質問を上げる - shitsumon o ageru) or expressing dissent (異議を上げる - igi o ageru) highlights its utility in formal discourse. The nuanced distinction between ageru and its humble counterpart sashiageru (差し上げる) is critical for navigating Japanese social etiquette, particularly in professional or hierarchical settings. Furthermore, understanding its role in idiomatic expressions provides insight into cultural perspectives on achievement, emotion, and social interaction.
Ageru (上げる), rooted in the kanji 上 ('up'), represents a core semantic field of upward movement and increase in Japanese. Its etymological trajectory reveals an expansion from concrete physical actions to abstract domains, including augmentation (e.g., kakei o ageru - raise household expenses), initiation (e.g., shigoto o ageru - complete work), and even expressions of strong emotion or protest (e.g., sakebi o ageru - let out a cry). The pragmatic use of ageru is heavily influenced by socio-linguistic factors, particularly the speaker's relationship to the recipient, necessitating careful selection between ageru, yaru (やる), and the humble sashiageru. Its integration into numerous set phrases and proverbs underscores its deep cultural resonance.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 上げる (ageru) is a versatile verb meaning 'to raise', 'to lift', or 'to give'.
- It's used for both physical actions and abstract concepts (e.g., raising prices, spirits).
- Context and politeness level are crucial, especially when 'giving' (use sashiageru for superiors).
- It forms many common expressions like 'te o ageru' (raise hand) and 'koe o ageru' (raise voice).
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb 上げる (ageru). It's one of those words that pops up everywhere, so understanding it is key to sounding more natural. At its core, ageru means to raise, lift, or give. Think about physically lifting something off the ground – that's ageru. But it doesn't stop there! We also use it when we talk about increasing things, like raising the volume of music, or even when we're giving something to someone else, like a gift or a compliment. It's a flexible word that can describe a wide range of actions, from the very concrete to the more abstract. So, get ready to see and use ageru a lot!
The beauty of ageru lies in its versatility. Imagine you're in a classroom and the teacher asks a question; you'd raise your hand (手を上げる - te o ageru). If you want to make your music louder, you'd turn up the volume (音を上げる - oto o ageru). And when you're feeling generous, you might give a present (プレゼントを上げる - purezento o ageru) to a friend. It's a fundamental verb that connects physical actions with social interactions and abstract concepts. Mastering ageru will open up so many doors in your Japanese communication!
The word ageru (上げる) has deep roots in the Japanese language, tracing back to ancient forms. Its kanji character, 上, literally means 'up' or 'above', giving us a direct visual cue to its primary meaning of elevation. The verb itself likely evolved from older forms of Japanese, possibly related to similar verbs indicating upward movement. Early Japanese texts show variations of this verb used to describe physical ascent and increase.
Over centuries, as Japanese society and its expressions evolved, the meaning of ageru expanded. It moved beyond just physical lifting to encompass more abstract concepts. For instance, the idea of 'giving' or 'bestowing' became associated with ageru, especially in social contexts where one person elevates another's status or provides them with something. This figurative expansion is common in language development, where concrete actions often serve as metaphors for more complex ideas. Think about how in English we 'raise' our spirits or 'give' our attention – it's a similar linguistic journey.
Interestingly, the opposite verb, sagaru (下がる), meaning 'to go down' or 'to lower', shares the same kanji root (下, 'down') and provides a clear contrast. This pairing highlights the fundamental directional meaning embedded in these verbs. The historical usage of ageru often reflected social hierarchies, with superiors 'raising' or 'giving' to subordinates, or subordinates 'raising' their hands in deference. This historical nuance still subtly influences some of its modern applications, adding a layer of cultural context to its usage.
Ageru is incredibly common and used in a vast array of situations. You'll hear it constantly in daily conversations, from simple requests to more complex descriptions. Remember that ageru often pairs with a direct object (what is being raised or given) and sometimes an indirect object (to whom it is given). For example, hon o ageru (本を上げる) means 'to give a book'.
When talking about physical actions, ageru is your go-to verb. Raise your hand (手を上げる - te o ageru), lift a box (箱を上げる - hako o ageru), or raise the flag (旗を上げる - hata o ageru). It's straightforward and direct. In more abstract contexts, it's used for increasing things: raise the temperature (温度を上げる - ondo o ageru), increase the price (値段を上げる - nedan o ageru), or raise your voice (声を上げる - koe o ageru).
The 'giving' aspect of ageru is also crucial. It's generally used when giving something to someone of equal or lower social status, or within a peer group. For instance, giving a gift to a friend (友達にプレゼントをあげる - tomodachi ni purezento o ageru) or helping someone out. Be mindful of the politeness level; for giving to superiors, you'd typically use sashiageru (差し上げる), a humble form. The register can range from very casual among friends to polite in formal settings, depending on the verb conjugation used (e.g., ageru vs. agemasu).
Ageru is part of many colorful Japanese idioms and expressions that add depth and nuance to the language. These phrases often take the core meaning of 'raising' or 'giving' and apply it in a figurative sense, making them essential for understanding native speech.
- 手を上げる (te o ageru): Literally 'to raise one's hand'. This can mean to physically raise your hand, but also to surrender or to start doing something (like starting a fight or a business). Example: 彼はついに手を上げた。(Kare wa tsuini te o ageta.) - He finally raised his hand (surrendered/started).
- 声を上げる (koe o ageru): Literally 'to raise one's voice'. This often means to cry out, shout, or express strong emotion, like pain or joy. Example: 痛みに思わず声を上げた。(Itami ni omowazu koe o ageta.) - I couldn't help but cry out in pain.
- 調子を上げる (choushi o ageru): To get into high spirits, to improve one's condition or performance. Example: 試合前に調子を上げてきた。(Shiai mae ni choushi o agete kita.) - He got into high spirits before the match.
- 顔を上げる (kao o ageru): To lift one's face. This can mean to physically look up, but more often it implies regaining confidence or hope after a difficult period. Example: 失敗しても、顔を上げて前を向こう。(Shippai shite mo, kao o agete mae o mukou.) - Even if you fail, lift your face and look forward.
- 鼻を上げる (hana o ageru): Literally 'to raise one's nose'. This idiom means to become conceited or arrogant, often after achieving some success. Example: 少し成功しただけで鼻を上げるなよ。(Sukoshi seikou shita dake de hana o ageru na yo.) - Don't get arrogant just because you've had a little success.
Ageru (上げる) is a Group 1 verb (a 'u'-verb) in Japanese grammar. This means its stem ends in a 'u' sound, and it follows a specific conjugation pattern. For example, its past tense is ageta (上げた), its negative form is agenai (上げない), and its te-form is agete (上げて).
Pronunciation-wise, ageru is pronounced roughly as 'ah-geh-roo'. The 'a' is like the 'a' in 'father', the 'ge' is like the 'ge' in 'get', and the 'ru' is a light flap sound, similar to the 'tt' in American English 'butter'. Pay attention to the pitch accent; in standard Tokyo dialect, it's typically high-low-low (a-GE-RU). Rhyming words are less common in Japanese due to its syllable structure, but words ending in '-eru' share a similar sound, like taberu (食べる - to eat) or miru (見る - to see), though these are Group 2 verbs.
Common grammatical patterns include using ageru with particles like を (o) to mark the direct object being raised or given, and に (ni) to mark the recipient. For example, tomodachi ni hon o ageru (友達に本を上げる) - 'to give a book to a friend'. It can also be used in compound verbs, like shitsumon o ageru (質問を上げる) - 'to raise a question'. Understanding these patterns is crucial for accurate usage.
Fun Fact
The kanji 上 (ue) itself depicts a line above another line, visually representing 'up' or 'above'. This direct visual connection makes the verb's core meaning intuitive.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'ah-GEH-roo', with a light 'r' sound and the emphasis on the second syllable.
Similar to UK, 'ah-GAY-roo', with a tapped 'r' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ru' like the English 'rue'.
- Placing stress on the first syllable ('AH-ge-ru').
- Making the 'g' sound too hard, like in 'go'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding context for nuanced meanings.
Choosing the correct verb (ageru, sashiageru, etc.) and particle usage can be tricky.
Natural usage depends on mastering context and politeness levels.
Understanding 'ageru' in various contexts is crucial.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
値段を上げる (nedan o ageru - transitive) vs. 値段が上がる (nedan ga agaru - intransitive).
Verb Conjugation (Group 1)
Ageru conjugates like other Group 1 verbs (ageru -> ageta, agenai, agete).
Giving and Receiving Verbs
The social context determining the use of ageru, kureru, morau.
Examples by Level
て を あげる。
hand UP raise.
て (te) is a particle marking the object.
ほん を あげる。
book UP give.
ほん (hon) means book.
ねこ が あがる。
cat UP go.
が (ga) marks the subject.
おと を あげる。
sound UP raise.
おと (oto) means sound.
はな を あげる。
flower UP give.
はな (hana) means flower.
かみ を あげる。
paper UP raise.
かみ (kami) means paper.
くるま を あげる。
car UP give.
くるま (kuruma) means car.
うえ に あげる。
top ON UP go.
うえ (ue) means top/above.
子供がおもちゃを上げる。
child TOP toy UP raise.
おもちゃ (omocha) means toy.
友達にプレゼントを上げる。
friend TO present UP give.
プレゼント (purezento) means present.
手を上げて、質問してください。
hand UP raise, question please do.
質問 (shitsumon) means question.
テレビの音を少し上げる。
TV TOP sound SMALL amount UP raise.
テレビ (terebi) means TV.
彼は私に本を上げた。
he ME TOP book UP gave.
彼 (kare) means he.
値段が上がるかもしれない。
price UP go maybe.
値段 (nedan) means price.
旗を高く上げる。
flag HIGH UP raise.
旗 (hata) means flag.
気分が上がる。
mood UP go.
気分 (kibun) means mood/feeling.
先生に質問を上げる。
teacher TO question UP raise.
質問を上げる is a common phrase for asking a question.
彼女はいつも元気な声で挨拶を上げる。
she TOP always energetic voice WITH greeting UP gives.
挨拶を上げる implies giving a greeting.
そのニュースを聞いて、彼の気分が上がった。
that news HEAR, his mood UP went.
気分が上がる means to feel happier or more excited.
古い建物を解体して、新しいビルを上げる予定だ。
old building DEMOLISH, new building UP raise plan IS.
ビルを上げる means to build a building.
この仕事は、私のスキルを上げるのに役立った。
this job TOP my skill UP raise FOR helped.
スキルを上げる means to improve one's skills.
彼は会議で積極的に意見を上げた。
he TOP meeting IN actively opinion UP raised.
意見を上げる means to voice an opinion.
子供の教育のために、貯金を上げる必要がある。
child TOP education FOR, savings UP raise necessity IS.
貯金を上げる means to increase savings.
その歌手は、観客の期待を上げるようなパフォーマンスをした。
that singer TOP, audience TOP expectation UP raise LIKE performance DID.
期待を上げる means to raise expectations.
彼は昇進したことで、鼻を上げた。
he TOP promotion DID BY, nose UP raised.
鼻を上げる is an idiom meaning to become arrogant.
その知らせを聞いて、チーム全体の士気が上がった。
that news HEAR, team whole TOP morale UP rose.
士気が上がる means morale increases.
新しいプロジェクトの開始を機に、彼は意欲を上げた。
new project TOP start TOP opportunity, he TOP motivation UP raised.
意欲を上げる means to increase motivation.
政府は経済を活性化させるために、様々な策を上げた。
government TOP economy ACTIVATE FOR, various measures UP raised.
策を上げる can mean to propose or implement measures.
彼は苦境にあっても顔を上げ、前向きに努力を続けた。
he TOP hardship IN EVEN face UP, positive effort CONTINUED.
顔を上げる implies regaining hope or confidence.
この騒音で、私の神経は限界まで上がってしまった。
this noise BY, my nerves TOP limit UNTIL UP went.
神経が上がる implies being highly agitated or stressed.
彼は長年の夢を叶えるために、貯金だけでなく副業も始めた。
he TOP long-time dream FULFILL FOR, savings ONLY NOT side-job ALSO started.
Implies increasing funds for a goal, related to 'raising savings'.
その作家は、社会問題に対する警鐘を鳴らすべく、意欲的な作品を世に上げた。
that author TOP, social issues TOWARDS warning SOUND to, ambitious work TOP world TO UP raised.
作品を世に上げる means to publish or release a work to the public.
彼は昇進の知らせを聞き、思わず歓声を上げた。
he TOP promotion TOP news HEAR, unconsciously cheers UP raised.
歓声を上げる means to let out a cheer.
その芸術家は、既成概念を覆すような革新的な作品を次々と世に上げた。
that artist TOP, established concepts OVERTURN like innovative works SUCCESSIVELY world TO UP raised.
作品を世に上げる implies releasing influential works to the public.
長引く不況の中、政府は国民の生活水準を上げるための施策を打ち出した。
prolonged recession AMID, government TOP citizens TOP living standards UP raise FOR measures ANNOUNCED.
生活水準を上げる means to improve the standard of living.
彼は長年の研究の末、ついに画期的な発明を成し遂げ、学会で発表した。
he TOP long years research END, finally groundbreaking invention ACCOMPLISHED, academic society IN announced.
Implies bringing an achievement to light, related to 'raising' its status.
その政治家は、国民の不満を代弁するかのように、政府の政策に対して鋭い質問を上げた。
that politician TOP, citizens TOP dissatisfaction REPRESENT as, government TOP policies AGAINST sharp questions UP raised.
鋭い質問を上げる means to pose sharp or critical questions.
彼女の献身的な努力は、チーム全体の士気を飛躍的に上げた。
her dedicated effort TOP, team whole TOP morale DRAMATICALLY UP raised.
士気を飛躍的に上げる means to dramatically boost morale.
その小説は、読者の感情を揺さぶるような深い洞察を提示し、多くの反響を呼んだ。
that novel TOP, readers TOP emotions SHAKE like deep insights PRESENTED, many repercussions CALLED.
Implies bringing profound insights to the forefront, related to 'raising' awareness.
彼は、自身の経験を基に、若者たちに勇気を与えるメッセージを発信し続けた。
he TOP, his own experiences BASED ON, young people TO courage GIVE message TRANSMIT CONTINUED.
勇気を与える means to give courage. This is a related concept to 'giving'.
その企業は、社会貢献活動を通じて、地域社会からの信頼を格段に上げた。
that company TOP, social contribution activities THROUGH, local community FROM trust SIGNIFICANTLY UP raised.
信頼を上げる means to significantly increase trust or credibility.
彼は、長年にわたる研究の成果を基に、学術界における自身の地位を不動のものとした。
he TOP, long years research TOP results BASED ON, academic world IN his own status IMMOVABLE thing DID.
Implies solidifying one's position, related to elevating status.
その劇作家は、人間の心理の深淵を探求し、観客の知的好奇心を刺激する作品を世に送り出した。
that playwright TOP, human psyche TOP abyss EXPLORE, audience TOP intellectual curiosity STIMULATE works WORLD TO SENT OUT.
作品を世に送り出す is a sophisticated way to say 'release works to the public', related to 'raising' their profile.
彼は、既存の枠組みにとらわれず、大胆な仮説を提唱することで、学問分野に新たな地平を切り開いた。
he TOP, existing frameworks BY NOT bound, bold hypothesis PROPOSE BY, academic field TO new horizons OPENED.
Implies bringing new ideas to the forefront, related to 'raising' the level of discourse.
その指揮者は、オーケストラの演奏能力を極限まで引き上げ、聴衆を魅了する感動的な演奏を披露した。
that conductor TOP, orchestra TOP performance ability TOP limit UNTIL pull UP, audience CAPTIVATE MOVING performance SHOWED.
演奏能力を引き上げる means to maximize performance ability.
彼女は、社会の不条理に対して、芸術という表現手段を用いて、静かなる、しかし力強い抗議の声を上げた。
she TOP, society TOP absurdity AGAINST, art AS means of expression USE, quiet BUT powerful protest VOICE UP raised.
抗議の声を上げる means to raise a voice of protest.
その歴史家は、膨大な史料を渉猟し、これまで顧みられることのなかった視点から歴史的事件を再評価することで、新たな解釈を提示した。
that historian TOP, vast historical materials RESEARCH, hitherto overlooked perspectives FROM historical events RE-EVALUATE BY, new interpretations PRESENTED.
Implies bringing new perspectives to light, related to 'raising' understanding.
彼は、自己啓発の極致を目指し、日々の鍛錬を通じて精神と肉体の両方を高みへと導いた。
he TOP, self-improvement TOP pinnacle AIM, daily training THROUGH mind AND body BOTH TOP height TO led.
高みへと導く means to lead towards a higher level, related to 'raising'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"手を上げる (te o ageru)"
To raise one's hand; to surrender; to start doing something.
降参だ！もう手を上げるよ。
neutral"声を上げる (koe o ageru)"
To cry out, to shout (in pain, joy, anger, etc.).
突然の出来事に、彼は驚きの声を上げた。
neutral"顔を上げる (kao o ageru)"
To lift one's face; to regain confidence or hope.
失敗しても、顔を上げて前進しよう。
neutral"鼻を上げる (hana o ageru)"
To become arrogant or conceited.
少し成功しただけで鼻を上げるな。
casual"調子を上げる (choushi o ageru)"
To get into high spirits; to improve performance or condition.
試合前に調子を上げるために練習した。
neutral"旗を上げる (hata o ageru)"
To raise a flag; to signal the start of something (like a battle or project).
作戦開始の旗が上げられた。
neutralEasily Confused
It's the direct antonym of 'ageru' (to raise/lift).
'Ageru' means to lift/raise/give up. 'Sageru' means to lower/bring down/give down.
手を上げる (te o ageru) - raise hand. 手を下げる (te o sageru) - lower hand.
Both mean 'to give'.
'Ageru' is giving to others (out-group). 'Kureru' is giving to oneself or one's in-group (speaker, family, close friend).
友達に本をあげる (tomodachi ni hon o ageru) - I give a book to a friend. 友達が私に本をくれる (tomodachi ga watashi ni hon o kureru) - A friend gives me a book.
It's the opposite action of giving.
'Ageru' means to give. 'Morau' means to receive.
プレゼントをあげる (purezento o ageru) - to give a present. プレゼントをもらう (purezento o morau) - to receive a present.
Same pronunciation and often same kanji (though different kanji exist).
While both can mean 'to raise' or 'list', 挙げる often specifically refers to listing examples, raising an index finger, or bringing something to attention. 上げる is broader for physical lifting and giving.
例を挙げる (rei o ageru) - to give an example. 手を上げる (te o ageru) - to raise hand (using 上げる).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 上げる
箱を上げる (hako o ageru) - To lift a box.
Noun + に + Noun + を + 上げる
子供にお菓子を上げる (kodomo ni okashi o ageru) - To give candy to a child.
Noun + が + 上がる
気温が上がる (kion ga agaru) - The temperature rises.
Phrase + を + 上げる
声を上げる (koe o ageru) - To raise one's voice.
Noun + を + 上げる (figurative)
評価を上げる (hyouka o ageru) - To raise one's evaluation/rating.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Ageru is generally used for equals or inferiors. Using it for superiors is impolite.
These are direct opposites in the context of giving and receiving.
While ageru can be used for giving, くれる is used when the action benefits the speaker or someone in their 'in-group'.
Over-pronouncing the 'ru' can sound unnatural.
English 'raise' can cover more abstract concepts that might require different verbs in Japanese.
Tips
Visualise the Action
When you see or hear 'ageru', picture yourself physically lifting something up high, or handing a gift to someone. This visual link helps solidify the meaning.
Context is King for 'Giving'
Remember: 'ageru' for friends/peers, 'sashiageru' for superiors. Pay attention to who is giving to whom!
Hierarchy Matters
Japanese culture values politeness and respect for elders/superiors. Choosing the right verb for 'giving' reflects this understanding.
Object + を + あげる
The most common structure for 'giving' or 'lifting' is [Thing] + を + あげる. Practice this pattern!
Light 'R' Sound
Don't pronounce the Japanese 'r' like a hard English 'r'. It's a quick flap of the tongue, similar to the 'tt' in 'butter'.
Don't Mix Up Give & Receive
Ageru (give) vs. Morau (receive) are opposites. Ensure you know which action is happening!
Kanji Clue
The kanji 上 (ue) literally means 'up'. Always look for clues in the kanji to help remember the meaning!
Create Mini Dialogues
Write short conversations using 'ageru' in different scenarios (lifting, giving, increasing). Role-play them!
Abstract vs. Concrete
Notice how 'ageru' bridges physical actions (lifting a box) and abstract ones (raising prices). This flexibility is its strength.
Intransitive Counterpart
While 'ageru' is transitive (it acts *on* something), its intransitive counterpart is often 'agaru' (to rise, to go up). Example: 値段を上げる (raise price) vs. 値段が上がる (price rises).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine 'aging' gracefully by 'raising' your spirits and 'giving' smiles!
Visual Association
Picture yourself physically lifting a heavy box ('ageru') and then giving a gift ('ageru') to a friend.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'ageru' five times today in different contexts: lifting something, giving something, and increasing something.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: To move upwards, to ascend.
Cultural Context
Be mindful of the social hierarchy when using 'ageru' for giving. Using the wrong verb can be perceived as rude.
In English, 'raise' and 'give' are distinct verbs, but Japanese often uses 'ageru' for both, requiring attention to context. The distinction between giving to equals/inferiors (ageru) versus superiors (sashiageru) is a key aspect of Japanese politeness culture.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Classroom
- 手を上げる (te o ageru) - Raise your hand.
- 質問を上げる (shitsumon o ageru) - Ask a question.
- 先生に上げる (sensei ni ageru) - Give to the teacher (use sashiageru for politeness).
Giving Gifts
- プレゼントを上げる (purezento o ageru) - Give a present.
- 友達に上げる (tomodachi ni ageru) - Give to a friend.
- お礼に上げる (orei ni ageru) - Give as thanks.
Home Environment
- 電気を上げる (denki o ageru) - Turn on the light (less common, usually つける).
- 音を上げる (oto o ageru) - Turn up the sound.
- 部屋を上げる (heya o ageru) - Raise the room (figurative, e.g., improve the atmosphere).
Work/Business
- 報告を上げる (houkoku o ageru) - Submit a report.
- 評価を上げる (hyouka o ageru) - Improve evaluation.
- 値段を上げる (nedan o ageru) - Raise prices.
Conversation Starters
"昨日、友達に誕生日プレゼントを上げたんだけど、すごく喜んでくれたよ。"
"最近、物価がどんどん上がっている気がしない？"
"会議で何か質問があったら、遠慮なく手を上げてね。"
"この音楽、もっと音を上げてもいい？"
"何か困っていることがあったら、いつでも声を上げて相談してね。"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you gave a gift to someone. What was it and how did they react? Use 'ageru'.
Think about something you want to improve or 'raise' in your life (e.g., skill, grade, fitness). Write about your goals using 'ageru' or related concepts.
Write about a situation where you had to 'raise your voice' or speak up for yourself. What happened?
Reflect on a time someone gave you something important. How did it make you feel? Use 'morau' and consider the opposite action 'ageru'.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsBoth mean 'to give'. あげる (ageru) is used when giving to someone outside your 'in-group' (like friends, strangers, or inferiors). くれる (kureru) is used when someone gives something to you or someone in your 'in-group' (like family or close friends).
You use さしあげる (sashiageru) when giving something to someone of higher social status (like a boss, teacher, or elder) to show respect. It's the humble form of あげる (ageru).
Yes, in some specific contexts, like 仕事を上げる (shigoto o ageru), it can mean to complete or finish a task. This usage is less common than 'lift' or 'give'.
Mostly, yes. It usually takes a direct object (what is being given or lifted). However, in phrases like 気分が上がる (kibun ga agaru - mood rises), the subject is marked with 'ga', and the verb acts intransitively, meaning the thing is rising on its own.
'Te o ageru' literally means 'to raise one's hand'. It can be used literally in a classroom, but also figuratively to mean 'to surrender' or 'to start doing something'.
Yes! You can 'raise' prices (値段を上げる - nedan o ageru), 'raise' your voice (声を上げる - koe o ageru), or 'raise' your spirits (気分を上げる - kibun o ageru).
Yes. やる (yaru) is a more casual, sometimes rougher version of 'to give', often used between close male friends or when giving something to animals or inanimate objects. It can sometimes sound less polite than あげる (ageru).
You would typically use 持ち上げる (mochiageru), which specifically emphasizes the physical act of lifting. For example, '重いおもりを持ち上げる' (omoi omori o mochiageru - to lift a heavy weight).
Test Yourself
私は手を ______。
手を上げる (te o ageru) means 'to raise one's hand'.
What does 'プレゼントを上げる' mean?
上げる (ageru) means 'to give' in this context.
You can use 'ageru' to give something to the Emperor of Japan.
For superiors like the Emperor, you would use a humble verb like 'sashiageru'.
Word
Meaning
These are common idiomatic uses of 'ageru'.
The standard sentence structure is Subject + Particle + Object + Particle + Verb.
この騒音で、私の神経は限界まで ______。
神経が上がる (shinkei ga agaru) means nerves are frayed or agitated.
Which verb is most appropriate for 'imparting knowledge to students'?
与える (ataeru) is the formal verb for giving or granting, often used for abstract things like knowledge.
The phrase '鼻を上げる' implies becoming more humble.
'鼻を上げる' (hana o ageru) means to become arrogant or conceited.
This sentence structure emphasizes the increase in trust from society.
彼は長年の研究の成果を基に、学術界における自身の地位を ______。
While not directly 'ageru', the context implies solidifying or 'raising' his status, making 固めた (katameta - solidified) the best fit conceptually.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 'ageru' unlocks a vast range of expressions related to elevation, bestowal, and increase in Japanese.
- 上げる (ageru) is a versatile verb meaning 'to raise', 'to lift', or 'to give'.
- It's used for both physical actions and abstract concepts (e.g., raising prices, spirits).
- Context and politeness level are crucial, especially when 'giving' (use sashiageru for superiors).
- It forms many common expressions like 'te o ageru' (raise hand) and 'koe o ageru' (raise voice).
Visualise the Action
When you see or hear 'ageru', picture yourself physically lifting something up high, or handing a gift to someone. This visual link helps solidify the meaning.
Context is King for 'Giving'
Remember: 'ageru' for friends/peers, 'sashiageru' for superiors. Pay attention to who is giving to whom!
Hierarchy Matters
Japanese culture values politeness and respect for elders/superiors. Choosing the right verb for 'giving' reflects this understanding.
Object + を + あげる
The most common structure for 'giving' or 'lifting' is [Thing] + を + あげる. Practice this pattern!
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
