If you’ve ever tried to say “give” in Japanese, you’ve probably hit this wall:
- あげます
- くれます
- もらいます
They all seem related to giving and receiving… so which one do you use?
Here’s the good news: once you understand the direction of action, everything clicks.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The exact difference between あげます・くれます・もらいます
- How to use them naturally in real life
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Quick Answer: あげます・くれます・もらいます Difference
Here’s the simplest way to understand it:
| Verb | Meaning | Direction | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| あげます | give | I → someone / someone → someone else | NOT to me |
| くれます | give | someone → me | I receive; focus on giver |
| もらいます | receive | I receive from someone | focus on receiver |
In one sentence:
- あげます = I give
- くれます = someone gives to me
- もらいます = I receive
The key is who benefits, or who gets it.
あげます: Giving from You or Someone Else
Core idea
Use あげます when you give something to someone, or when someone gives something to another person, not you.
Structure
A は B に X を あげます
A gives X to B.
Examples
私は友だちにプレゼントをあげました。
I gave my friend a present.
彼は妹におもちゃをあげました。
He gave his younger sister a toy.
Tip
If you are the giver, あげます is your default.
くれます: Someone Gives to YOU
Core idea
Use くれます when someone gives something to you or your in-group.
Structure
A は 私に X を くれます
A gives X to me.
Examples
友だちは私にプレゼントをくれました。
My friend gave me a present.
母はケーキを作ってくれました。
My mom made me a cake.
Tip
Think of くれる as “give to me.” It often carries a slightly appreciative nuance.
もらいます: Receiving from Your Perspective
Core idea
Use もらいます when you receive something.
Structure
私は A に X を もらいます
I receive X from A.
Examples
私は友だちにプレゼントをもらいました。
I received a present from my friend.
私は先生にアドバイスをもらいました。
I got advice from my teacher.
Tip
If you’re thinking “I got this,” use もらいます.
Visual Comparison Table
| Situation | Japanese | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| I give a gift to my friend | 私は友だちにプレゼントをあげます | giver |
| My friend gives me a gift | 友だちは私にプレゼントをくれます | giver → me |
| I receive a gift from my friend | 私は友だちにプレゼントをもらいます | receiver |
Same situation, different perspective.
Common Mistakes and Why They Happen
Mistake 1: Using あげます for “someone gives to me”
Wrong:
友だちは私にプレゼントをあげました
Why?
あげます cannot be used when you are the receiver.
Correct:
友だちは私にプレゼントをくれました
Mistake 2: Confusing くれます and もらいます
Both mean you get something, but:
- くれます → focus on giver
- もらいます → focus on receiver
Compare:
友だちがプレゼントをくれました
They gave me a gift.
私はプレゼントをもらいました
I received a gift.
Mistake 3: Ignoring direction
English often uses “give,” but Japanese cares about who it moves toward.
If you don’t track direction, you’ll choose the wrong verb.
Real-Life Example Sentences
Everyday situations
彼は私にコーヒーを買ってくれました。
He bought me coffee.
私は友だちに本をあげました。
I gave my friend a book.
私は同僚にお土産をもらいました。
I got a souvenir from my coworker.
Casual conversation
これ、あげるよ。
Here, I’ll give you this.
これ、くれるの？
You’re giving this to me?
それ、もらってもいい？
Can I have that?
Key Takeaways: Easy Summary
- あげます = give, not to me
- くれます = someone gives to me
- もらいます = I receive
Remember this rule:
Japanese cares about who benefits.
Quick mental shortcut
- “I give” → あげます
- “They give me” → くれます
- “I get” → もらいます
Final Tip
When you’re unsure, ask yourself:
“Who ends up with the thing?”
Once you answer that, the correct verb becomes clear.
Mastering Japanese giving and receiving verbs like these is a big step toward sounding natural.
