Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Give" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "give", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あげます
あげます (agemasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
与える
あたえる (ataeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あげます and 与える.
In Japanese, あげます (あげます (agemasu)) is typically associated with "to give" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used when the giver.
On the other hand, 与える (あたえる (ataeru)) maps to "to give; to grant; to cause; to impact" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to giving/granting opportunities, awards, causing impacts. A literal translation of "give" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あげます"
友達にプレゼントをあげました。
I gave a present to my friend.
Bilingual Context for "与える"
彼の卓越した技術的リーダーシップは、若手のエンジニアたちに多大な好影響を_______、チームの士気を高めました。
His outstanding technical leadership gave a great positive impact to the young engineers and raised the morale of the team.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達にプレゼントをあげました。" (Meaning: "I gave a present to my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あげます" fits here because it means "to give" in the context of: "I gave a present to my friend.". "与える" represents "to give; to grant; to cause; to impact".