Processing keyword: Nounをくださる

Japanese Grammar Point: Nounをくださる

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point "Nounをくださる", a polite expression used when someone gives you something. Understanding this structure is essential for proper etiquette and expressing gratitude in Japanese.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

"Nounをくださる" is a polite way to say "[someone] gives me/us Noun" or "[someone] kindly does Noun for me/us". It expresses that the speaker receives something or a favor from someone of higher status or to whom they want to show respect.

Structure

The basic structure is:

[Someone] が + Noun を + くださる

• [Someone] が: The giver (usually a person of higher status or someone you respect)
• Noun を: The object being given
• くださる: Polite verb meaning "to give" (honorific form)

Formation Diagram

Part	Function	Example
[Someone] が	Subject (giver)	先生が
Noun を	Object being given	本を
くださる	Honorific verb "to give"	くださる

---

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with "くれる" and "あげる"

• くれる: Used when someone gives something to the speaker or the speaker's in-group. Less formal.
  • Example: 友達がプレゼントをくれた。 (My friend gave me a present.)
• あげる: Used when the speaker gives something to someone else.
  • Example: 私は妹にお菓子をあげた。 (I gave my younger sister sweets.)
• くださる: Honorific form of くれる, showing respect to the giver.
  • Example: 部長が資料をくださった。 (The manager kindly gave me the documents.)

---

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 社長が御意見をくださりました。
   • Shachō ga goiken o kudasarimashita.
   • The company president kindly gave me his opinion.
2. 先生が推薦状をくださいます。
   • Sensei ga suisenjō o kudasaimasu.
   • The teacher will kindly give me a letter of recommendation.

Informal Situations

1. おばあちゃんが手紙をくださった。
   • Obāchan ga tegami o kudasatta.
   • Grandma kindly sent me a letter.
2. 隣の人が野菜をくださる。
   • Tonari no hito ga yasai o kudasaru.
   • My neighbor gives me vegetables.

Written Context

1. ご参加くださり、ありがとうございます。
   • Go sanka kudasari, arigatō gozaimasu.
   • Thank you for your participation.
2. ご回答くださった方に感謝します。
   • Go kaitō kudasatta kata ni kansha shimasu.
   • I am grateful to those who kindly responded.

---

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Respect

• くださる is an honorific verb, elevating the action of the giver.
• Used to show respect, particularly towards someone of higher status like a teacher, boss, or elder.

Idiomatic Expressions

• お越しくださる: To kindly come
  • 明日、お越しくださいますか。 (Will you kindly come tomorrow?)
• ご覧くださる: To kindly look
  • 資料をご覧くださり、ありがとうございます。 (Thank you for kindly reviewing the materials.)

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using "くださる" with oneself as the subject
   • Incorrect: 私が本をくださる。
   • Correct: 私が本をあげる。
   • "くださる" is used when someone gives to you, not when you give to someone else.
2. Using "くださる" in casual situations where it may seem excessive
   • Overusing honorifics can make conversations sound stiff or sarcastic in informal settings.

Tips

• Remember that "くださる" is the honorific form of "くれる".
• Use "くださる" when showing respect to the giver.
• Pay attention to the social context and the relationship with the person you're talking about.

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• "Nounをくださる" is used when someone kindly gives you something.
• It is an honorific expression showing respect to the giver.
• Structure: [Someone] が + Noun を + くださる

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form:
   • 先生がプレゼントを______。
     • Answer: くださった。
2. True or False:
   • You can use "くださる" when you give something to someone else.
     • Answer: False.
3. Choose the correct sentence:
   • a) 私が彼に本をくださる。
   • b) 彼が私に本をくださる。
     • Answer: b)

---

By mastering "Nounをくださる", you enhance your ability to communicate respectfully and appropriately in Japanese, especially in formal situations.

---

© Hanabira.org