てあげる
JLPT Level: N4
Meanings
to do something for someone
to do a favor for someone
to help someone by doing something for them
Usage
V-てあげる
Noun + に + てあげる
V-てあげて + くれる? (contrast)
Explanation
てあげる is used when the speaker (or someone in the speaker's group) does something for someone else, often as a favor or out of kindness. It emphasizes the helper's action for the benefit of the other person. It can sound casual and is commonly used toward friends, family, or someone younger. It contrasts with てくれる, which focuses on what the other person does for the speaker, and with あげる used from the perspective of the giver toward someone else. Use with verbs in て-form to indicate performing the action for someone.
友達が困っていたので、私が手伝ってあげた。
ともだちがこまっていたので、わたしがてつだってあげた。
My friend was in trouble, so I helped them.
母は私の宿題を見てあげる。
はははわたしのしゅくだいをみてあげる。
My mother looked over my homework for me.
子どもにお菓子を買ってあげる。
こどもにおかしをかってあげる。
I buy sweets for the child.
彼女に道を教えてあげる。
かのじょにみちをおしえてあげる。
I show her the way.
先生に質問があれば、私が答えてあげます。
せんせいにしつもんがあれば、わたしがこたえてあげます。
If you have questions, I will answer them for you.
弟に新しい靴を買ってあげた。
おとうとにあたらしいくつをかってあげた。
I bought new shoes for my younger brother.