Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Give" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "give", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
くれる
くれる (kureru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
諦める
あきらめる (akirameru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between くれる and 諦める.
In Japanese, くれる (くれる (kureru)) is typically associated with "to give (to me/my group)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used when the giver gives something to the speaker or someone in their group. The giver is often someone doing a favor or acting from their side. Direction: giver → me/my group..
On the other hand, 諦める (あきらめる (akirameru)) maps to "to give up" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 努力を続けたり、何かを達成しようとすることをやめる際に使われます。. A literal translation of "give" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "くれる"
友達が私に本をくれました。
My friend gave me a book.
Bilingual Context for "諦める"
どんなに難しくても、夢を諦めてはいけません。
No matter how difficult it is, you shouldn't give up on your dream.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達が私に本をくれました。" (Meaning: "My friend gave me a book.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "くれる" fits here because it means "to give (to me/my group)" in the context of: "My friend gave me a book.". "諦める" represents "to give up".