“To give” in Japanese is あげる, pronounced ageru.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To give (from me to others). When someone gives to you, Japanese uses くれる instead.
Example sentences
- 友達にプレゼントをあげました。ともだちにプレゼントをあげました。I gave my friend a present.
- これ、あげます。これ、あげます。This is for you.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of あげる. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | あげる | give |
| Polite present | あげます | give |
| Polite negative | あげません | don’t give |
| Polite past | あげました | past of “give” |
| Plain negative (ない) | あげない | don’t give (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | あげた | past of “give” (casual) |
| て-form | あげて | give and… / please give (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | あげたい | want to give |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to give in Japanese?
To give in Japanese is あげる, pronounced “ageru”.
Is あげる on the JLPT?
Yes. あげる (ageru) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.