How to Give and Receive in Japanese
In Japanese, expressing giving and receiving is more nuanced than in English. The three key verbs used for these actions are あげる (ageru), もらう (morau), and くれる (kureru). Understanding the perspectives behind these verbs is crucial for using them naturally in conversations.
Understanding the Perspective in Japanese Giving and Receiving
In Japanese, the choice of あげる, くれる, or もらう is all about perspective. Unlike English, where "give" and "receive" are straightforward, in Japanese, these verbs emphasize the direction of the action and the relationship between the giver and receiver.
- あげる (ageru) → Focuses on the giver's action of giving.
- くれる (kureru) → Focuses on the receiver (me or someone close to me).
- もらう (morau) → Focuses on the receiver’s action of receiving.
1. あげる (Ageru) – To Give (From Self to Others)
あげる is used when the speaker (or someone associated with the speaker) gives something to another person.
Key Features
The giver is the subject of the sentence.
The action moves away from the speaker.
When giving to a superior, use 差し上げる (sashiageru) instead.
Sentence Structure
[Giver] は [Receiver] に [Object] を あげる。
Examples
私は彼に時計をあげました。
(Watashi wa kare ni tokei o agemashita.) → I gave him a watch.
おばあちゃんは私たちにお菓子をあげた。
(Obaachan wa watashitachi ni okashi o ageta.) → My grandma gave us sweets.
Usage Tip: あげる can also be used when giving something to animals or objects.
Example: 犬にえさをあげました。 → I gave food to the dog.
Mastering verb forms is key to fluency. For a detailed explanation on complex verb forms, check out our guide on How to Use Passive, Causative, and Causative-Passive Verbs in Japanese.
2. くれる (Kureru) – To Give (to Me or Someone Close)
くれる is used when someone gives something to the speaker or someone close to the speaker (like a family member or close friend).
Key Features
The giver is the subject.
The action moves toward the speaker.
Used when the speaker or someone close receives something.
Sentence Structure
[Giver] は [Receiver] に [Object] を くれる。
Examples
彼女は私に手紙をくれました。
(Kanojo wa watashi ni tegami o kuremashita.) → She gave me a letter.
先生が私たちにアドバイスをくれました。
(Sensei ga watashitachi ni adobaisu o kuremashita.) → The teacher gave us advice.
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Usage Tip: Use くださる (kudasaru) instead of くれる when the giver is of higher status.
3. もらう (Morau) – To Receive
もらう is used when the receiver is the subject, and the action of receiving is emphasized.
Key Features
Focuses on the receiver.
The receiver is the subject of the sentence.
Can be used when receiving from anyone, including superiors (use いただく instead).
Sentence Structure
[Receiver] は [Giver] に [Object] を もらう。
Examples
私は彼から本をもらいました。
(Watashi wa kare kara hon o moraimashita.) → I received a book from him.
弟は先生に賞をもらった。
(Otouto wa sensei ni shou o moratta.) → My younger brother received an award from the teacher.
Usage Tip: You can also use から instead of に to emphasize the giver.
4. Comparing あげる, くれる, and もらう
| Situation | Verb Used | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I give a book to my friend | あげる | 友達に本をあげた。 |
| My friend gives me a book | くれる | 友達が本をくれた。 |
| I receive a book from my friend | もらう | 友達に本をもらった。 |
Understanding this comparison helps reinforce the perspective-driven nature of Japanese Giving and Receiving.
5. Polite Forms: Honorific and Humble Expressions
In formal contexts, Japanese uses honorific (respectful) and humble versions of these verbs.
| Verb | Polite Form | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| あげる | 差し上げる | Giving something to a superior |
| くれる | 下さる | Receiving something from a superior |
| もらう | いただく | Receiving something from a superior |
Example Sentences
先生に花を差し上げました。
→ I gave flowers to my teacher.
先生が私にアドバイスをくださいました。
→ My teacher gave me advice.
先生に本をいただきました。
→ I received a book from my teacher.
Usage Tip: Use these forms when speaking with or about people of higher status or in professional settings.
If you’re preparing for academic or JLPT writing tasks, our guide on how to write a Japanese essay or report offers structured tips and sample formats.
6. Advanced Usage: Giving and Receiving Actions
To express doing things for others or having others do something for you, Japanese uses:
～てあげる (Doing something for someone)
私は友達に宿題を手伝ってあげました。
→ I helped my friend with homework.
～てくれる (Someone does something for me)
友達が宿題を手伝ってくれました。
→ My friend helped me with homework.
～てもらう (Receiving help from someone)
私は友達に宿題を手伝ってもらいました。
→ I got my friend to help me with my homework.
This is an essential step in mastering the Japanese Giving and Receiving structure in daily conversation.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect: 友達にプレゼントをあげた (meaning: I gave a gift to my friend)
Wrong interpretation: If you meant my friend gave me a gift, use くれる.
Incorrect: 母は私にお金をもらった。 (My mother received money from me)
Correct: 私は母にお金をもらった。 (I received money from my mother)
Clarity in subject and object roles is essential in Japanese Giving and Receiving.
Final Thoughts
Mastering あげる, くれる, and もらう unlocks a deeper understanding of Japanese interpersonal communication. These verbs reflect social relationships, perspective, and context. As you continue your journey through the Japanese language, practicing real-life usage of Japanese Giving and Receiving will help you communicate more naturally and respectfully.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the Japanese giving and receiving words?
The main verbs are あげる (ageru) for giving away from the speaker, くれる (kureru) for giving toward the speaker, and もらう (morau) for receiving something. These verbs reflect the direction and perspective of the action.
2. What is Japanese gift giving called?
Japanese gift giving is known as お中元 (Ochūgen) and お歳暮 (Oseibo), which are seasonal gift-giving traditions to express gratitude during summer and year-end, respectively.
3. When to use くれる (kureru) and もらう (morau)?
Use くれる when someone gives something to you or your in-group, focusing on the giver’s action. Use もらう when you receive something, emphasizing the receiver’s perspective.
4. What is the Japanese tradition of giving money?
Giving money, especially in envelopes called ご祝儀袋 (Goshūgibukuro), is a common tradition for weddings, funerals, and special occasions, showing respect and well-wishes.
5. What are 5 interesting facts about Japan?
Japan has over 6,800 islands, invented karaoke, has a tradition of bowing for greetings, celebrates cherry blossoms in spring, and its trains are famous for punctuality and speed.
Mastering あげる, くれる, and もらう will greatly improve your Japanese communication skills. These verbs reflect perspective and relationships, so practicing them in real-life situations will help you sound more natural.
