Structure
Verb[て]+ くれる
Verb[ないで]+ くれる
Politeness Levels
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Polite
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.
When asking for a favor, てくれる can be shortened to てくれ. However, this is very casual, and should not be used with strangers (or anyone that you do not know well). As an English equivalent, てくれ sounds similar to phrases like 'would ya do (A)', or 'could ya do (A)?'
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)
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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)
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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
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あのグラスをここに持ってきてくれる?
Would you bring me that glass?
この漢字の意味を教えてくれますか。
Would you teach me the meaning of this kanji? (for me)
私を愛してくれますか。
Will you love me? (do me the favor of)
ママが書きやすいペンをかってくれた。
My mom bought a pen that is easy to write with. (For me)
喋らないで黙って行ってくれますか。
Could you not talk, shut up and go? (for me)
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てあげる vs てくれる vs てもらう
Japanese Ammo 🎦
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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 (31 in total)
okayfrog
If that’s the case, I feel like there should be a better explanation. Every single other example sentence makes sure to have “me” or “for me” in them except for this one. It is very confusing.
Fuga
Hey @okayfrog !
The translation of this sentence could change depending on context.
The first one would be ‘Santa, what did you bring for me?’. This sentence is from the point of view of the receiver speaking to Santa.
The second would be ’ What did Santa bring for you? '. This one is the point of view from a parent to a child asking what Santa brought for them.Since this sentence does not give extra context on who is speaking, I have changed the translation to fit the first context to avoid further confusion!
okayfrog
Great to hear, thank you.
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