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In this lesson, you will learn how to use the Japanese grammar あげます / もらいます / くれます.
👉 あげます
First, we will start with "あげます".
The meaning of "あげます" is "give."
Please look at the picture below.
I give a present to Ms. Kimura.
In this case, you can say, "わたしは木村(きむら)さんにプレゼントをあげます。"
When using "あげます", the person receiving the things is indicated by "に".
1. わたしはリムさんにお土産をあげます。
わたしは リムさんに おみやげを あげます。
I will give a souvenir to Ms. Lim.
2. トムさんは鈴木さんにきれいな花をあげました。
トムさんは すずきさんに きれいなはなを あげました。
Tom-san gave beautiful flowers to Suzuki-san.
This grammar point is also introduced in beginner textbooks. If you want to review grammar more systematically, having one good textbook really helps:
👉 もらいます
Next, let's study "もらいます".
The meaning of "もらいます" is "receive."
Look at the picture below.
I receive a present from Ms. Kimura. (Mr. Kimura gives me a present.)
In this case, you can say, "わたしは木村さんにプレゼントをもらいます。"
When using "もらいます", the person who gives things is indicated by "に".
1. 誕生日に母に時計をもらいます。
たんじょうびに ははに とけいを もらいます。
I will receive a watch from my mother for my birthday.
2. 田中さんはイーさんにチョコレートをもらいました。
たなかさんは イーさんに チョコレートを もらいました。
Mr. Tanaka received chocolates from Ms. Yee.
👉 くれます
The last one is "くれます", but it would be a bit difficult and long, so we are going to explain it in the next article.
Please make sure you understand "あげます" and "もらいます" today.
💁 Next: Learn "くれます" ↓↓
Recommended Reading
Best Japanese Textbooks for Beginners
Want to learn Japanese grammar more systematically? This guide compares Genki, Minna no Nihongo, Japanese From Zero, and other popular beginner textbooks.
Read the Guide →Speaking Practice
Practice Japanese on italki
If you want to practice this grammar in real conversation, learning with a tutor can help you improve faster. Many learners find that regular speaking practice is the fastest way to become confident in Japanese.
Find a Japanese Tutor on italki →Suggested Study Material
Genki Ⅱ (Beginner Japanese)
This grammar point is explained in GenkiⅡ(Lesson14), a widely used beginner textbook for learning Japanese.
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