Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "くれる", "贈る", "くださる", "譲る", "与える"
All represent the core concept "give", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
くれる
くれる (kureru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
贈る
おくる (okuru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
くださる
くださる (kudasaru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
譲る
ゆずる (yuzuru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
与える
あたえる (ataeru)
N3 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "give" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "くれる", "贈る", "くださる", "譲る", "与える" based on context.
- 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.
- 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 "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.
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: "友達が私に本をくれました。" (Meaning: "My friend gave me a book.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "くれる" is correct here because it represents "to give (to me/my group)" in the context: "My friend gave me a book.".