Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Give" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "give", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
贈る
おくる (okuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
くださる
くださる (kudasaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 贈る and くださる.
In Japanese, 贈る (おくる (okuru)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, くださる (くださる (kudasaru)) maps to "to give (honorific, when the giver is superior to the recipient)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Honorific form of くれる. A literal translation of "give" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友人の誕生日に本を贈った。" (Meaning: "I gave a book to my friend for their birthday.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "贈る" fits here because it means "to give (as a gift), to send (a gift), to present" in the context of: "I gave a book to my friend for their birthday.". "くださる" represents "to give (honorific, when the giver is superior to the recipient)".