Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 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 4
あげる and くれる depend on viewpoint
Use from the giver’s side and toward the speaker’s side.
Start with the example
。
I gave my younger sister a notebook.
The speaker is the giver, so is natural.
Notice the variation
。
My mother gave me a bag.
Because the gift comes to the speaker, is used.
More detail: how to apply this
is used from the giver’s side toward someone else.
is used when someone gives something to the speaker or the speaker’s side.
The object is the same, but the viewpoint changes.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Choose the giving or receiving verb first, then assign the people to its roles.
means received. The book moves from the mother to the narrator, matching .
。
I received a book from my mother.
Choose the giving or receiving verb first, then assign the people to its roles.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I gave my younger sister a notebook.
The speaker is the giver, so is natural.
Vocabulary notes
- わたし
- I; me
- ノート
- notebook
Compare in context
。
My mother gave me a bag.
Because the gift comes to the speaker, is used.
Vocabulary notes
- わたし
- I; me
- かばん
- bag
- くれた
- gave (to me/us)
Compare in context
。
The teacher gave Tanaka a book.
This sentence is still from the giver’s side, even though the speaker is not the giver.
Vocabulary notes
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
Section 2 of 4
もらう focuses on the receiver
focuses on the receiver
Start with the example
。
I received a bag from my mother.
The event is the same as -type sentences, but the sentence viewpoint changes.
Notice the variation
。
Tanaka received a book from a friend.
The receiver is the subject of the sentence.
More detail: how to apply this
With , the receiver becomes the subject.
The helper or giver is usually marked with .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I received a bag from my mother.
The event is the same as -type sentences, but the sentence viewpoint changes.
。
I received a bag from my mother.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I received a bag from my mother.
Showing もらう focuses on the receiver: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I received a bag from my mother.
The event is the same as -type sentences, but the sentence viewpoint changes.
Vocabulary notes
- わたし
- I; me
- かばん
- bag
Preview
。
Tanaka received a book from a friend.
The receiver is the subject of the sentence.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
- 友だち
- friend
Preview
。
The child received a notebook from the teacher.
The receiver can also be another person, not just the speaker.
Vocabulary notes
- 子ども
- child; children
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
- ノート
- notebook
Section 3 of 4
Read the speaker’s side first
Choose the giving or receiving verb first, then assign the people to its roles.
Read the speaker’s side first
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
is the receiver because the final verb is . The topic alone does not tell you the direction of a gift.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you read these verbs, first decide whose side the sentence is following.
That will usually tell you whether , , or is natural.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
My mother gave me a book.
The speaker receives the book, so is natural.
。
My mother gave me a book.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: My mother gave me a book.
Showing Read the speaker’s side first: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
My mother gave me a book.
The speaker receives the book, so is natural.
Vocabulary notes
- が
- subject marker
- わたし
- I; me
- くれた
- gave (to me/us)
Preview
。
I received a book from my mother.
This describes the same event from the receiver’s point of view.
Vocabulary notes
- わたし
- I; me
- は
- topic marker
- に
- to; at; in; on
Preview
。
I gave my younger sister a book.
Here the speaker is the giver, so is used instead.
Vocabulary notes
- わたし
- I; me
- に
- to; at; in; on
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
Track as giver and as recipient;
points the giving toward the speaker's side.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Track as giver and as recipient; points the giving toward the speaker's side.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: I gave to a friend / a friend gave to me
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.