Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "あげます", "くれる", "贈る", "差し上げる"
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
差し上げる
さしあげる (sashiageru)
N4 / 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", "差し上げる" 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.
- 差し上げる (さしあげる (sashiageru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to give (humble form of あげる)" and is used when Humble form of あげる.
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 "差し上げる"
先生にお土産を差し上げました。
I gave a souvenir to my teacher.
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.".