Can anyone clarify for me the difference between くれます and あげます? Thanks for your help!
くれる is used with an act done by someone else that favorably benefits the speaker
あげる is used with an act done by the speaker that favorably benefits someone else
(わたしに)すうがくをおしえてくれませんか - Will you teach me math, please?
(あなたに)すうがくをおしえてあげます - I’ll teach you math.
There are nuances related to relative status of the parties (i.e. you can’t use these if you are speaking to someone whose social status is above yours, there are other honorific or humble words you need to use) but that’s the general idea.
To get a full grasp on the giving and receiving situation, もらう should also be mentioned.
Here’s a stack exchange question that discusses all 3.
2 Likes
I also enjoyed this youtube vid:
2 Likes
Also, now I’ve been watching a chain of youtube videos… this one includes やる. His following two videos explain くれる and もらう
This topic was automatically closed 365 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.