Processing keyword: ～上げる (〜ageru)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～上げる (〜ageru)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, the auxiliary verb ～上げる (〜ageru) is used to express the completion of an action, often implying that it was done with effort or that something was brought to a finish. It adds a sense of accomplishment or culmination to the verb it attaches to.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The grammar point ～上げる indicates that an action has been completed successfully or brought to a finish, often after considerable effort. It can also imply that something has been done thoroughly or from the bottom up.

Structure

The structure for using ～上げる is:

Verb Stem + 上げる

Formation Diagram

Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb Stem	+ 上げる	Meaning
作る (つくる)	作り	作り上げる	to build up; to complete
書く (かく)	書き	書き上げる	to finish writing
読む (よむ)	読み	読み上げる	to finish reading aloud
仕上げる (しあげる)	仕上げ	仕上げる	to finish up; to complete

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3. Comparative Analysis

～上げる vs. ～終わる (〜owaru):

• ～上げる (〜ageru):
  • Emphasizes the completion of an action, often with a sense of effort or accomplishment.
  • Example: 書き上げる (kakiageru) – to finish writing (something significant, like a novel).
• ～終わる (〜owaru):
  • Simply indicates that an action has ended or stopped, without nuances of effort.
  • Example: 読み終わる (yomiowaru) – to finish reading.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Informal Spoken
   • 彼は一晩でこの小説を書き上げた。 Kare wa hitoban de kono shōsetsu o kakiageta. "He finished writing this novel in one night."
2. Formal Written
   • プロジェクトを無事に仕上げることができました。 Purojekuto o buji ni shiageru koto ga dekimashita. "We were able to successfully complete the project."
3. Casual Conversation
   • ケーキを焼き上げたから、一緒に食べよう。 Kēki o yakiageta kara, issho ni tabeyō. "I've just finished baking a cake, so let's eat together."
4. Formal Presentation
   • 新製品のデザインを作り上げるのに半年かかりました。 Shinseihin no dezain o tsukuriageru no ni hantoshi kakarimashita. "It took half a year to complete the design of the new product."
5. Written Narrative
   • 彼女は長い旅を終え上げて、家に戻った。 Kanojo wa nagai tabi o oeagete, ie ni modotta. "Having finally completed her long journey, she returned home."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Japanese culture, emphasizing the effort and completion of a task is important.
• Using ～上げる highlights diligence and dedication, which are valued traits.

Levels of Politeness

• ～上げる can be conjugated to match the required level of formality:
  • Casual: 上げる
    • Example: 作り上げる (tsukuriageru)
  • Polite: 上げます
    • Example: 作り上げます (tsukuriagemasu)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 立ち上げる (たちあげる)
  • Meaning: To launch or start up (e.g., a business, a computer).
  • Example: 彼は新しい会社を立ち上げた。
    • Kare wa atarashii kaisha o tachiageta.
    • "He started a new company."
• 育て上げる (そだてあげる)
  • Meaning: To raise someone to adulthood.
  • Example: 両親は彼女を立派に育て上げた。
    • Ryōshin wa kanojo o rippani sodateageta.
    • "Her parents raised her splendidly."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Dictionary Form Instead of the Verb Stem
   • Incorrect: 書く上げる
   • Correct: 書き上げる
2. Confusing with the Giving Verb "上げる"
   • Remember that 上げる as a standalone verb means "to give (upward)" or "to raise," but when attached to a verb stem, it functions as an auxiliary verb meaning "to complete."

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device
  • Think of "lifting" the action up to completion. Visualize completing a task by elevating it to the finish line.
• Practice with Common Verbs
  • Try forming sentences with verbs you use often:
    • 終わる (to end): 読み終わる vs. 読み上げる
    • 作る (to make): 作り終わる vs. 作り上げる

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～上げる is used to express the completion of an action, often with a sense of effort and accomplishment.
• Formed by attaching 上げる to the verb stem.
• Conveys thoroughness and sometimes figuratively means "up" or "from the bottom up."

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the ～上げる construction with a verb?
   • Answer: Attach 上げる to the verb stem.
2. What nuance does ～上げる add to the verb it attaches to?
   • Answer: It indicates completion, often implying effort or accomplishment.
3. Provide an example sentence using ～上げる.
   • Possible Answer: 彼らはビルを建て上げた。
     • Karera wa biru o tateageta.
     • "They completed building the skyscraper."

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By understanding and practicing ～上げる, you'll be able to express actions that have been completed thoroughly, adding depth to your Japanese communication. Keep creating your own sentences to become more familiar with this grammar point!

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