Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Give" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "give", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あげる
あげる (ageru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
贈る
おくる (okuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あげる and 贈る.
In Japanese, あげる (あげる (ageru)) is typically associated with "to give (to someone else)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used when the speaker or someone else gives something to another person/thing. Direction: giver → receiver.
On the other hand, 贈る (おくる (okuru)) maps to "to give (as a gift), to send (a gift), to present" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Specifically refers to giving gifts, presents, or awards, often with a sense of formality or commemoration. Distinct from just handing something over. A literal translation of "give" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あげる"
友達にプレゼントをあげます。
I give a present to my friend.
Bilingual Context for "贈る"
友人の誕生日に本を贈った。
I gave a book to my friend for their birthday.
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す。" (Meaning: "I give a present to my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あげる" fits here because it means "to give (to someone else)" in the context of: "I give a present to my friend.". "贈る" represents "to give (as a gift), to send (a gift), to present".