When learning Japanese, you’ll often encounter expressions like 〜てあげる, 〜てくれる, and 〜てもらう. These are essential for expressing the idea of giving and receiving actions. Let’s break them down so you can use them confidently and naturally in your conversations!

1. 〜てあげる: To Do Something for Someone

This structure is used when you do something for someone else or when someone does something for another person (but not you). It conveys a sense of kindness or favor.

Structure:

• [Person] に [Verb in て-form] あげる

Examples:

• 私は友達ともだちに本ほんを借かしてあげた。 (Watashi wa tomodachi ni hon o kashite ageta.) — I lent a book to my friend.
• その子こにゲームを教おしえてあげた。 (Sono ko ni gēmu o oshiete ageta.) — I taught the game to that child.

Key Points:

• It’s not polite to use 〜あげる about yourself in formal situations. Use 〜さしあげる instead.
• The subject (the giver) performs the action for the benefit of someone else.

2. 〜てくれる: Someone Does Something for You

This is used when someone does something for you or for someone close to you. It expresses gratitude and often emphasizes the giver’s kindness.

Structure:

• [Person] が [Verb in て-form] くれる

Examples:

• 友達ともだちが助たすけてくれた。 (Tomodachi ga tasukete kureta.) — My friend helped me.
• 父ちちが車くるまに乗のせてくれた。 (Chichi ga kuruma ni nosete kureta.) — My dad gave me a ride.

Key Points:

• The subject (the giver) performs the action for you or someone emotionally close to you.
• To make it more polite, use くれます instead of くれる.

3. 〜てもらう: To Receive an Action from Someone

This is used when you receive a favor or someone does something for you because you requested it.

Structure:

• [Person] に [Verb in て-form] もらう

Examples:

• クラスの人ひとに小説しょうせつを読よんでもらった。 (Kyōshitsu no hito ni shōsetsu o yonde moratta.) — I had someone at the classroom read the novel for me.
• お母かあさんに料理りょうりを教おしえてもらった。 (Okaasan ni ryōri o oshiete moratta.) — My mom taught me how to cook.

Key Points:

• The subject (you) receives the action from someone else.
• Often implies you asked for the favor.

How to Choose Between Them

Choosing the right structure depends on who is performing the action and who benefits from it:

Practice Exercises

1. Rewrite the following sentences using 〜てあげる, 〜てくれる, or 〜てもらう:
   • 彼女かのじょがケーキを作つくった。 (Kanojo ga keeki o tsukutta.)
   • 私わたしは妹いもうとの部屋へやを掃除そうじした。 (Watashi wa imooto no heya wo sooji shita.)
2. Make sentences about your daily life using all three expressions.

Conclusion

Understanding 〜てあげる, 〜てくれる, and 〜てもらう can enhance your ability to express relationships and social dynamics in Japanese. Practice them regularly, and soon, they’ll become second nature in your conversations!

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