Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Give" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "give", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
くださる
くださる (kudasaru)
N4 / 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 くださる and 与える.
In Japanese, くださる (くださる (kudasaru)) is typically associated with "to give (honorific, when the giver is superior to the recipient)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Honorific form of くれる.
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 "くださる"
部長が私に新しいプロジェクトの情報をくださった。
The department manager gave me information about the new project.
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: "部長が私に新しいプロジェクトの情報をくださった。" (Meaning: "The department manager gave me information about the new project.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "くださる" fits here because it means "to give (honorific, when the giver is superior to the recipient)" in the context of: "The department manager gave me information about the new project.". "与える" represents "to give; to grant; to cause; to impact".