Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "あげます", "くれる", "贈る", "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
くれる
くれる (kureru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
贈る
おくる (okuru)
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", "くれる", "贈る", "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.
- くれる (くれる (kureru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to give (to me/my group)" and is used when 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..
- 贈る (おくる (okuru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to give (as a gift), to send (a gift), to present" and is used when Specifically refers to giving gifts, presents, or awards, often with a sense of formality or commemoration. Distinct from just handing something over.
- 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 "くれる"
友達が私に本をくれました。
My friend gave me a book.
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.
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.".