〜をくれる

To give (to me or someone in my in-group)

1. Overview

「〜をくれる」 is used in Japanese to express receiving something from another person, particularly when the speaker or someone close to the speaker is the recipient. The giver is typically an equal or someone from outside the speaker's group, while the speaker or their in-group is the receiver.

2. Structure

• Grammar structure:

  • Person + が + Noun + を + くれる

• Explanation: 「くれる」 means "to give (to me or someone close to me)." It focuses on the action from the perspective of the receiver (the speaker or their in-group).

3. Usage Explanation

• Connection: Used to describe the action of someone giving something to the speaker or someone close to the speaker. The subject is the one giving, but the focus is on the receiver’s perspective.

• Translation: Translated as "to give (to me)" or "to give (to someone in my group)."

4. Example Sentences

1. 友達が私にプレゼントをくれた。
   A friend gave me a present.

2. 彼女がお母さんに花をくれました。
   She gave flowers to her mother (my mother).

3. 彼は私に本をくれた。
   He gave me a book.

4. 母が私に新しいカバンをくれた。
   My mother gave me a new bag.

5. 子供たちが私に絵をくれた。
   The children gave me a picture.

5. Alternative Grammar

• 〜をくださる: A more polite version of 「くれる」, often used when referring to someone of higher status or showing respect.
  • Example: 先生が私に本をくださいました。
    The teacher gave me a book (in a respectful way).

6. Related Grammar

• 〜をあげる: Used when the speaker or someone in the speaker’s group gives something to someone else.

  • Example: 私は友達にプレゼントをあげた。
    I gave a present to my friend.

• 〜てもらう: Used to express receiving a favor or service from someone else.

  • Example: 彼に手伝ってもらった。
    I got help from him.

7. Key Points to Note

• Context: 「〜をくれる」 is used when the recipient is the speaker or someone within the speaker's group. When the focus is on giving to someone outside the group, 「あげる」 should be used instead.

• Tone: The expression is neutral but can become polite with the use of 「くださる」 in formal contexts.

8. Summary

「〜をくれる」 is used to describe someone giving something to the speaker or someone in their in-group. It focuses on the perspective of the receiver and is commonly used in both casual and neutral contexts. For more formal situations, 「くださる」 can be used to express politeness.