When you combine て-form verbs with あげる, もらう, and くれる, you can express doing favors — or receiving them. This guide shows you how the direction of kindness changes meaning.
At a Glance
| Pattern | Who does the favor | Direction | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 〜てあげる | I / we do for others | Speaker → others | 教えてあげる (I teach you) |
| 〜てくれる | Others do for me/us | Others → speaker’s side | 助けてくれた (they helped me) |
| 〜てもらう | I receive the favor | Others → me (my perspective) | 直してもらった (I had it fixed) |
〜てあげる — I Do for You
Express that you (or your side) does something as a favor for someone else:
弟の宿題を手伝ってあげた。 — I helped my younger brother with his homework.
地図を描いてあげましょうか？ — Shall I draw you a map?
Caution: overusing てあげる can sound presumptuous or condescending. Reserve for genuine offers.
〜てくれる — They Do for Me
Express that someone did something kind for you or your side:
友達が空港まで送ってくれた。 — My friend drove me to the airport. (I received this kindness)
先生が丁寧に説明してくれた。 — The teacher explained it to me carefully.
〜てもらう — I Receive the Action
Express receiving someone’s service or favor. Focuses on YOU as the beneficiary:
美容師に髪を切ってもらった。 — I had the hairdresser cut my hair.
友達に翻訳してもらえますか？ — Could you have your friend translate it? / Could you translate it for me?
YukaWhat’s the difference between 送ってくれた and 送ってもらった? Seems like the same situation.
ReiSame event, different perspective! 友達が送ってくれた = My friend drove me (friend is the subject, their kindness is highlighted). 友達に送ってもらった = I had my friend drive me (I am the subject, I received the service). Same ride, different emphasis.
YukaWhen is てもらえますか used?
ReiIt’s a polite request: 手伝ってもらえますか？ = Could you help me? (literally: can I receive help from you?). Very natural and polite. てくれますか is similar but slightly more direct.
Side-by-Side Scenario
| Event: Friend helped me study | Pattern | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| I did it for them | てあげる | 友達の勉強を手伝ってあげた |
| They did it for me | てくれる | 友達が勉強を手伝ってくれた |
| I received the favor | てもらう | 友達に勉強を手伝ってもらった |
Common Mistakes
| Wrong | Correct | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Using てあげる with superiors | 〜ていただく | てあげる to superiors is rude — use polite forms |
| Overusing てあげる in offers | 〜ましょうか or てくれますか | Constant てあげる sounds self-important |
Quick Quiz
Fill in てあげる, てくれる, or てもらう:
1. My older sister taught me how to cook. → 姉に料理を教え___。→ てもらった
2. I helped my friend move. → 友達の引越しを手伝っ___。→ てあげた
3. My colleague explained it to me. → 同僚が説明し___。→ てくれた
Practice in the Comments!
Try writing your own sentence using today’s grammar in the comments! Leave your example and join the Top Commenters ranking!
Keep Learning: Grammar Hub | あげる/もらう/くれる | Keigo for Giving/Receiving
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