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
譲る
ゆずる (yuzuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between くれる and 譲る.
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, 譲る (ゆずる (yuzuru)) maps to "to give way, to hand over, to concede, to yield" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Implies giving something. 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 "譲る"
電車ではお年寄りに席を譲りましょう。
On the train, let's give up our seats to the elderly.
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.". "譲る" represents "to give way, to hand over, to concede, to yield".