Processing keyword: Verb て くれる (Verb-te kureru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb て くれる (Verb-te kureru)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, expressing actions done for someone is a key aspect of everyday communication. The expression Verb てくれる (Verb-te kureru) is used to indicate that someone does something for the speaker or someone close to the speaker, emphasizing the kindness or favor involved.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Verb てくれる is used when someone does an action for the benefit of the speaker or someone close to the speaker. It highlights the speaker's appreciation for the favor received.

Structure

• Verb in て-form + くれる

Formation Diagram

Verb Dictionary Form	て-form	+ くれる
見る (miru) - to see	見て (mite)	見てくれる
書く (kaku) - to write	書いて (kaite)	書いてくれる
手伝う (tetsudau) - to help	手伝って (tetsudatte)	手伝ってくれる

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Visual Aid: Structure Breakdown

[Person doing the action] + [Verb in て-form] + くれる

• The person doing the action is someone other than the speaker.
• The action benefits the speaker or someone close to the speaker.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• Verb てあげる (Verb-te ageru): Used when the speaker does something for someone else.

  • Example: 私は妹に本を読んであげた。
    • "I read a book to my younger sister."

• Verb てもらう (Verb-te morau): Used when the speaker receives an action done by someone else, focusing on the benefit received.

  • Example: 私は友達に宿題を手伝ってもらった。
    • "I had my friend help me with homework."

Differences Highlighted

• てくれる emphasizes the kindness of someone else doing something for the speaker.
• てもらう emphasizes the speaker receiving the benefit.
• てあげる focuses on the speaker giving the benefit to someone else.

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4. Examples in Context

Informal Speech

1. 友達が写真を送ってくれた。 Tomodachi ga shashin o okutte kureta.
   • Translation: "A friend sent me a photo."
2. 母がお弁当を作ってくれる。 Haha ga obentō o tsukutte kureru.
   • Translation: "My mother makes a lunch box for me."
3. 彼が駅まで案内してくれた。 Kare ga eki made an'nai shite kureta.
   • Translation: "He guided me to the station."

Formal Speech

4. 先生が質問に答えてくれました。 Sensei ga shitsumon ni kotaete kuremashita.
   • Translation: "The teacher answered my question for me."
5. 同僚が資料を準備してくれました。 Dōryō ga shiryō o junbi shite kuremashita.
   • Translation: "A colleague prepared the documents for me."

Casual Conversations

6. 彼女がおすすめの映画を教えてくれた。 Kanojo ga osusume no eiga o oshiete kureta.
   • Translation: "She told me about a recommended movie."
7. 兄がゲームを貸してくれた。 Ani ga gēmu o kashite kureta.
   • Translation: "My older brother lent me a game."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Expressing Gratitude: Using てくれる inherently conveys appreciation, acknowledging the kindness of others.
• Indirect Politeness: In Japanese culture, subtlety is valued. Using てくれる softly expresses thankfulness without being overly direct.

Levels of Politeness

• Plain Form: Used with family, close friends, or peers.
  • 友達が宿題を見てくれた。
• Polite Form: Used in formal situations or with superiors.
  • 上司がアドバイスをしてくれました。

Idiomatic Expressions

• 手伝ってくれる？ Tetsudatte kureru?
  • Translation: "Could you help me?"
  • A casual way to request help from someone familiar.
• 聞いてくれてありがとう。 Kiite kurete arigatō.
  • Translation: "Thank you for listening to me."
  • Expressing gratitude for someone's time and attention.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake 1: Using てくれる when the speaker is the one performing the action.
  • Incorrect: 私は彼に本を買ってくれた。
    • This implies that he did the favor for me, but the subject is I.
  • Correct: 私は彼に本を買ってあげた。
    • "I bought a book for him."
• Mistake 2: Confusing くれる with あげる.
  • Remember, くれる means someone does something for me, while あげる means I do something for someone else.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: "Kure" in kureru sounds like "kudos" to someone for helping me.
• Practice Exercise: Write down favors you've received recently and express them using てくれる.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb てくれる is used when someone does an action that benefits the speaker or someone close.
• It emphasizes the kindness of the person performing the action.
• Understanding the difference between くれる, あげる, and もらう is crucial.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 友達がレポートをチェックして_____。
   • Answer: くれた
2. Choose the correct usage: When you help your friend, which grammar point do you use?
   • a) てくれる
   • b) てあげる
   • Answer: b) てあげる
3. Translate to Japanese: "My older sister taught me how to cook."
   • Answer: 姉が料理の仕方を教えてくれた。

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Feel free to revisit the examples and notes to strengthen your understanding of Verb てくれる. Practice by noticing when others do something for you and try expressing it in Japanese!

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