Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Linking actions in sequence
Japanese often links several actions with the て-form. When a favor expression appears inside that chain, the perspective still matters. Read the chain one piece at a time.
Target signal
母にお弁当を作ってもらって、学校へ行きました。
I had my mother make me a lunch, and then I went to school.
Notice how Action Chains with Giving and Receiving shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 行きました
- went
- もらって
- receiving and...
- お弁当
- boxed lunch; bento
Compare in context
友だちが本を貸してくれて、すぐ読み始めました。
My friend lent me a book, and I started reading it right away.
Notice how Action Chains with Giving and Receiving shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 始めました
- started
- 友だち
- friend
- した
- did
Compare in context
先生に発音を直してもらって、少し自信がつきました。
I had the teacher correct my pronunciation, and I gained a little confidence.
Notice how Action Chains with Giving and Receiving shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- もらって
- receiving and...
- した
- did
- して
- doing and
Section 2 of 3
Choosing the right giving or receiving verb
Use 〜てあげる when the subject gives help to someone else. Use 〜てくれる when someone helps the speaker or in-group. Use 〜てもらう when the receiver is the subject. In connected text, one wrong viewpoint can confuse the whole sentence.
Target signal
私は妹に宿題を見てあげて、そのあと一緒に遊びました。
I helped my younger sister with her homework, and after that we played together.
Notice how Action Chains with Giving and Receiving shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- そのあと
- after that
- あげて
- give and...
- 一緒に
- together
Preview
父が駅まで迎えに来てくれて、安心しました。
My father came to pick me up at the station, and I felt relieved.
Notice how Action Chains with Giving and Receiving shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- しました
- did
- した
- did
- しま
- stripe; striped pattern
Preview
私は友だちに駅まで迎えに来てもらいました。
I had my friend come pick me up at the station.
Notice how Action Chains with Giving and Receiving shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- いました
- there was; there were (living things)
- 友だち
- friend
- いま
- now
Section 3 of 3
Reading longer sentences smoothly
When the sentence is long, first find the main favor expression, then follow the sequence markers. Ask who did the favor, who received it, and what happened next.
Target signal
店員さんが使い方を説明してくれて、私は家で一人でも使えるようになりました。
The store clerk explained how to use it for me, and I became able to use it by myself at home.
Notice how Action Chains with Giving and Receiving shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- なりました
- became
- 店員さん
- shop clerk
- ように
- so that ...; in order to ...
Preview
兄に荷物を持ってもらって、思ったより早く駅に着きました。
I had my older brother carry the bags, and we arrived at the station earlier than expected.
Notice how Action Chains with Giving and Receiving shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 思ったより
- than expected
- もらって
- receiving and...
- 持って
- holding and
Preview
私は友だちに写真を送ってあげて、とても喜んでくれました。
I sent my friend the photos, and they were very happy about it.
Notice how Action Chains with Giving and Receiving shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- あげて
- give and...
- とても
- very
- 友だち
- friend