Structure
Verb[て]+ くれる
Verb[ないで]+ くれる
Politeness Levels
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Polite
使用域
敬語
Rare Kanji
呉れる
About てくれる
The verb 呉れる in Japanese, is very similar to 与える (to bestow). The primary difference is that 呉れる (primarily written in hiragana) means to 'bestow to the speaker' (or someone in the speakers inner circle).
In this way, てくれる is the opposite of てあげる, which conveys that someone (usually the speaker) gives (an action) to another person that is outside of their inner circle. てくれる is commonly translated as 'would you do (A) for me', as a question, or 'someone did (A) for me', as a statement.
In this way, てくれる is the opposite of てあげる, which conveys that someone (usually the speaker) gives (an action) to another person that is outside of their inner circle. てくれる is commonly translated as 'would you do (A) for me', as a question, or 'someone did (A) for me', as a statement.
- おばあちゃんはいつも美味しいご飯を作ってくれる。Grandma always makes delicious food for us!
- 友達が旅行から帰ってくるとお土産を持って来てくれる。When my friend comes back from vacation, they bring me souvenirs.
- パパ、電気を消してくれる?Dad, can you turn the lights off for me?
- お願いだから急いでくれ。I'm begging you, could ya hurry it up (for me)?
Fun Fact
てくれる is one of the most casual ways to ask for a favor, with てもらう being slightly more polite. ていただく (the humble speech variation of てくれる) is even more polite than either of these!- 遊園地に連れて行ってくれる。Someone will take me to the amusement park. (They are taking me for my benefit)
- 遊園地に連れて行ってもらう。Someone is taking me to the amusement park. (I am having someone take me)
- 遊園地に連れて行って頂く。Someone is taking me to the amusement park. (I am being bestowed the act of being taken)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
あのグラスをここに持ってきてくれる?
Would you bring me that glass?
私の友達はいつも相談を聞いてくれる。
My friend always does me the favor of listening to my problems.
私を愛してくれますか。
Will you love me?
食べる前にテーブルの上を綺麗にしてくれますか。
Before we eat, could you clean the table for me?
ママが書きやすいペンを買ってくれた。
My mom bought a pen that is easy to write with. (For me)
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てあげる vs てくれる vs てもらう
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[DBJG] A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Page 216
Genki II 1st Edition
Page 34 & 74
Genki II 2nd Edition
Page 56 & 100
みんなの日本語 I
Page 152 [CH 24]
みんなの日本語 II
Page 114 [CH 43]
Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
Page 172
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てくれる – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (28 in total)
FredKore
In English, I know all these polite expressions sound kinda the same, but you’ll have to fight that urge to call them the same thing in Japanese.
So between くれて (shortened from polite くれてください) and くれる? (casual くれる that’s turned into a question), I’ll use this example to show the feelings that go with them.
Imagine someone asking you to lend them a book, 本を貸す(ほんをかす)…
From my boss:
貸してくれて – はい (inside voice: ok, sure)
貸してくれる? – はい (inside voice: why is he being so chummy?)
From my friend:
貸してくれて – うん (inside voice: sure, we’re friends. no problem)
貸してくれる?-- いいよ (i...FredKore
If you’re really curious, here’s a related thread…
So, how do you ask for a favor?bokudake
Before we eat, could you clean the table for me?
Why is this wrong?
食べる前にテーブルの上を綺麗にしてもらえませんか
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