Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "あげる", "くれる", "贈る", "くださる"
All represent the core concept "give", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
あげる
あげる (ageru)
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
くださる
くださる (kudasaru)
N4 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "give" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "あげる", "くれる", "贈る", "くださる" based on context.
- あげる (あげる (ageru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to give (to someone else)" and is used when Used when the speaker or someone else gives something to another person/thing. Direction: giver → receiver.
- 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.
- 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.
Context for "あげる"
友達にプレゼントをあげます。
I give 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 "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.
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す。" (Meaning: "I give a present to my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あげる" is correct here because it represents "to give (to someone else)" in the context: "I give a present to my friend.".