〜てくれる

〜てくれる expresses do (for me). The giving and receiving system (あげる/もらう/くれる) is uniquely important in Japanese, reflecting social relationships, hierarchy, and the direction of benefit. Using the correct form shows awareness of these social dynamics.

This is an intermediate pattern used regularly in everyday Japanese conversation and writing.

When to Use#

• Someone doing you a favor: 友達が手伝ってくれた (My friend helped me)
• Expressing gratitude for actions: 母が作ってくれた (My mother made it for me)
• Casual request: ちょっと待ってくれる？ (Can you wait for me?)

When NOT to Use#

• When the meaning is closer to "do (for someone)" — use 〜てあげる instead
• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• 姉がお金を貸してくれました。 — My sister lent me money.
• 母が夕飯を作ってくれました。 — My mother made dinner for me.
• 同僚がペンを貸してくれました。 — My colleague lent me a pen.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Confusing 〜てくれる with 〜てあげる — While both are related, 〜てくれる expresses "do (for me)" whereas 〜てあげる expresses "do (for someone)." Pay attention to the specific nuance each pattern conveys.
2. Using 〜てくれる interchangeably with 〜てもらう — These patterns are similar but not identical. 〜てもらう (have someone do (for me)) may be preferred in different contexts or registers.
3. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 〜てくれる may not map one-to-one with its English translation. Focus on understanding the Japanese usage through example sentences rather than relying on the English gloss.

Related Patterns#

• 〜てあげる (do (for someone)) — Compare
• 〜てくださる (do (for me, honorific)) — Next step
• 〜てもらう (have someone do (for me)) — Similar
• 〜をくれる (give (to me)) — Next step