Structure
Giver(*)は(1) + Recipient(*)に + Object(*)をくれる
Recipient(*)に + Giver(*)は(1) + Object(*)をくれる
Giver(*)は(1) + Object(*)を + Recipient(*)にくれる
(*) Giver, Recipient and Object are Nouns
(1) が
Details
Verb
Independent Word
Standard
Rare Kanji
呉れる
About くれる
くれる is generally taught as part of a set of 3 verbs that are regularly used for giving and receiving in Japanese. These verbs are くれる, あげる, and もらう. くれる means 'to give' (to you, or someone that is part of your 'in' group).
With くれる and あげる, they both function in the regular way you would expect (regarding particles). This means that が will always mark the giver (the person performing the action), and に will mark the recipient (the person that is the 'destination' of the thing that is given). This means that を will be used to mark the 'object' that is given, as is usually the case.
The giver/recipient are often omitted from sentences with くれる, as one/both are usually obvious from context, or the sentence may be focusing on the object.
As can be seen here, the same nuance is kept, even when things are omitted.
Fun Fact
What someone considers their 'in' group will be different for each person, but usually consists of members of your family, clubs that you are in, or something similar that has a 'group' atmosphere (that you are a part of).
The giver will always be someone that is more distant than the people that are in the 'group'.
Caution
When we want to say that we (or someone else) gave something to someone that is not in our 'in' group, we will need to use あげる instead.
Topics
Give and Take
N5 Topic
In this Topic, we're going to learn about three very important verbs which are all to do with giving and receiving. With these words, the direction and relationship is the important thing. These concepts are the backbone of polite speech and are essential for understanding more advanced Japanese.
Related
Vocab Coverage
All Bunpro Vocab that appears on this item.
Examples
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母は僕にかっこいいペンをくれた。
My mom gave me a cool pen. (I was given)
兄は(私に)便利な箱をくれた。
My brother gave me a convenient box. (I was given)
おじいちゃんは(私に)古い自転車をくれた。
My grandpa gave me an old bicycle. (I was given)
彼が(私に)かわいい靴をくれて、嬉しいです。
He gave me some cute shoes, so I am happy. (I was given)
友達は毎週土曜日に私の母にクッキーをくれる。
My friend gives my mom cookies every Saturday. (My mom is given)
Get more example sentences!
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Self-Study Sentences
Online
Inner/outer circles and which verb to use
Kanji Link [video]
When to use くれる
Tae Kim
Offline
[DBJG] A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Page 213
Genki II 2nd Edition
Page 56
Genki II 3rd Edition
Page 52
Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
Page 171
みんなの日本語 I
Page 152 [CH 24]
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くれる – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (16 in total)
Bazza
- 近所の人が旅行から帰って来て、父にお土産をくれた。
When the neighbors return home from traveling, they give my father souvenirs.
That is one of the example sentences and its translation. I thought it was describing a one time event, because of the final くれた. The translation however says ‘give’ rather than ‘gave’, suggesting it is a habit.
Could you confirm please?
Thanks in advance!
Fuga
Hey @Bazza !
This seemed like an input error on our end so we have just fixed it!
Bazza
Awesome - thanks for the quick work on that!