Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "あげる", "くれる", "贈る", "譲る", "諦める"
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
譲る
ゆずる (yuzuru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
諦める
あきらめる (akirameru)
N4 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "give" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "あげる", "くれる", "贈る", "譲る", "諦める" 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.
- 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.
- 諦める (あきらめる (akirameru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to give up" and is used when 努力を続けたり、何かを達成しようとすることをやめる際に使われます。.
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 "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 "諦める"
どんなに難しくても、夢を諦めてはいけません。
No matter how difficult it is, you shouldn't give up on your dream.
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.".