How to Say “To Give (to Me)” in Japanese with くれる

When someone gives you something, or gives something to someone close to you, Japanese uses a different verb: くれる. This verb shows that something is being given toward the speaker or their inner circle. Let’s learn how to use くれる to say someone gave something to you.

くれる

To Give (Toward Me or My Inner Circle)

Usage Pattern

[Giver] / + [Receiver = Me / My group] + [Object] くれる

Details

JLPT Level: N4

How to Use It

Use くれる when someone gives something to the speaker or to someone close to the speaker (like their family or friend). The focus is on the benefit coming toward the speaker. It can express kindness or gratitude, and is often used when saying thank you.
If you’re the recipient—or the recipient is someone in your inner circle—this is the verb to use.

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Example 1

友だちは私の両親にお菓子をくれました。

ともだち は わたし の りょうしん に おかし を くれました。

Tomodachi wa watashi no ryōshin ni okashi o kuremashita.

My friend gave sweets to my parents.

Example 2

おじいちゃんは私に初めての車をくれました。

おじいちゃん は わたし に はじめて の くるま を くれました。

Ojīchan wa watashi ni hajimete no kuruma o kuremashita.

My grandfather gave me my first car.

Example 3

先生が私にアドバイスをくれました。

せんせい が わたし に あどばいす を くれました。

Sensei ga watashi ni adobaisu o kuremashita.

The teacher gave me advice.

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