Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "あげます", "くださる", "譲る", "与える"
All represent the core concept "give", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
あげます
あげます (agemasu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
くださる
くださる (kudasaru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
譲る
ゆずる (yuzuru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
与える
あたえる (ataeru)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "give" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "あげます", "くださる", "譲る", "与える" based on context.
- あげます (あげます (agemasu) - Level: N5): Maps to "to give" and is used when Used when the giver.
- くださる (くださる (kudasaru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to give (honorific, when the giver is superior to the recipient)" and is used when Honorific form of くれる.
- 譲る (ゆずる (yuzuru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to give way, to hand over, to concede, to yield" and is used when Implies giving something.
- 与える (あたえる (ataeru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to give; to grant; to cause; to impact" and is used when Refers to giving/granting opportunities, awards, causing impacts.
Context for "あげます"
友達にプレゼントをあげました。
I gave a present to my friend.
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.
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.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達にプレゼントをあげました。" (Meaning: "I gave a present to my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あげます" is correct here because it represents "to give" in the context: "I gave a present to my friend.".