てあげる

to do (something) for someone, give (someone) a hand with

Build a strong foundation of Japanese with a high-frequency grammar and real-world phrases.

てあげる is a Japanese grammatical structure that expresses performing an action for the benefit of someone else as an act of kindness, helpfulness, or goodwill. It emphasizes the speaker’s willingness to assist and is often translated as "to do (something) for someone" or "to give (someone) a hand with" in English.

This expression is formed by attaching the て-form of a verb to あげる (which literally means "to give"). The resulting structure conveys a sense of giving through action, highlighting the speaker’s intent to provide help or support. It is commonly used in casual or neutral contexts when referring to people of equal or lower social status, such as friends, family, or younger individuals.

Cultural Considerations:

When addressing someone of higher social status (e.g., a boss, teacher, or elder), using てあげる can sound arrogant or overly casual. In formal or respectful situations, it’s better to use alternatives such as てさしあげる (polite form) or お～します (humble form), which reflect appropriate deference and humility.

Practical Contexts:

The phrase is widely used in daily life to express thoughtfulness or kindness but should be avoided if the recipient might perceive the speaker’s action as patronizing or overly familiar. Instead, tailor the expression to the relationship and context to maintain harmony and politeness.

Structure

Verb［て］+ あげる

Verb［て］+ さしあげます (polite)

JLPT Level

Key uses

1. Doing a favor for someone

てあげる is commonly used to express an action done as a favor or out of kindness for someone else. It shows the speaker’s intent to help or do something beneficial.

[ Additional Insight ]

This expression reflects a positive intent to assist or perform a kind action. It is often seen in friendly or cooperative interactions. However, it may feel condescending in formal or hierarchical settings if the speaker appears to emphasize their own effort. Use it thoughtfully in professional contexts to avoid sounding presumptuous.

2. Offering advice or guidance

てあげる may also appear in contexts where the speaker offers to guide or help someone learn or achieve something.

[ Additional Insight ]

This usage conveys a supportive and constructive attitude. It’s particularly useful in mentoring or teaching scenarios, but care should be taken to ensure the tone remains respectful to avoid sounding patronizing.

3. Casual offering with friends and family

In informal settings, てあげる is often used among close friends, family, or peers to offer help in a relaxed, friendly tone.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use emphasizes familiarity and care, making it ideal for expressing kindness in everyday conversations. The casual tone reflects a natural and unforced willingness to assist. To soften the tone, add "よ" at the end of the sentence in casual conversations to make it sound friendly and inviting.

4. Showing thoughtfulness or kindness

It can also emphasize the speaker’s intention to be considerate or kind, often in contexts where the action addresses a need or request from the recipient.

[ Additional Insight ]

This usage is especially effective in situations involving children, subordinates, or peers. It subtly highlights the effort and care involved in the action, creating an encouraging or nurturing atmosphere.

5. Encouraging mutual help or shared kindness

てあげる can also be used to promote mutual assistance or kindness within a group, subtly fostering a cooperative atmosphere.

[ Additional Insight ]

In this context, てあげる encourages helping others, emphasizing empathy and consideration. It’s often used to suggest altruistic actions and reflects a cultural value of mutual support.

6. Expressing retrospective kindness

てあげる can also be used to describe an action the speaker or someone else did as a favor in the past.

[ Additional Insight ]

This past-tense usage highlights the speaker’s goodwill in recounting a favor. It can add depth to narratives, illustrating acts of kindness and consideration.

Comparisons

1. てやる (casual and rough tone)

Both てやる and てあげる express doing something for someone else, but their tone and usage differ. てやる is more casual and rough, often used when speaking to or about subordinates, animals, or in informal contexts. In contrast, てあげる is more neutral and kind, suitable for general conversations. Use てやる when the relationship allows for a direct and less formal tone and てあげる for polite or neutral settings.

2. てくれる (favor for the speaker)

てくれる is used when someone else does a favor for the speaker or for someone within the speaker’s circle, while てあげる is used when the speaker does something for someone else. Use てくれる to describe actions benefiting the speaker, and てあげる for actions the speaker performs for someone else’s benefit.

3. てもらう (receiving a favor)

てもらう is used to express receiving a favor from someone else. While てあげる focuses on giving help, てもらう emphasizes the act of receiving help. Use てもらう when you or someone close to you has asked for and received assistance.