～てあげる
To do something for someone, As a favor for
Structure
Explanation
The person receiving the benefit of the てあげる action is marked with に, and the person performing the action is marked with が (when specified).
- 母が弟に本を読んであげる。My mother reads a book for my younger brother.
- いいよ、僕が手伝ってあげるよ。It's alright, I'll help you out.
- 駅まで車で私が連れて行ってあげるよ。I can give you a ride to the station.
Caution
Be aware that てあげる can sound condescending in modern Japanese. It should be avoided in contexts where the other person might be offended by the offer of a favor (for example, when speaking to someone of higher status). This is largely because やる (a casual equivalent of 'to give') has become less common in this grammatical structure.
- 先生、その荷物を僕が持ってあげるよ。Teacher, I'll carry those bags for you. (Natural Japanese, but could sound presumptuous to a person of higher status)
Fun Fact
Originally, やる was used for giving things like water to plants or food to animals. However, people started using あげる in these situations as well, with the belief that it sounded more polite. Ironically, this had the reverse effect over time, leading some to feel that あげる was insulting, as it was now being used for plants and animals.
- 猫に水をやる。To give the cat water. (Focuses on the practical act of providing sustenance)
- 猫に水をあげる。To give the cat water. (With a nuance of care, as if treating a cherished pet)
Today, てやる is very rarely used, except perhaps jokingly between people who are very close.
- ほしいものがあれば、なんでも買ってやるよ。If there's anything you want, I'll buy it for you.
Examples
妹に絵本を読んであげた。
I read a picture book (as a favor) for my little sister.
重そうですね。ドアを開けてあげましょうか。
That looks heavy. Shall I open the door for you?
駅まで弟を送ってあげてください。
Please take my younger brother to the station. (For him)
猫の写真、サラさんにも見せてあげてください。
Please show the cat pictures to Sara, too. (For Sara)
荷物が多いから、一つ持ってあげましょう。
You have a lot of bags, so let me carry one (for you).
子供の自転車が壊れたから、直してあげた。
My child's bicycle was broken, so I fixed it (for them).
明日、僕が京都を案内してあげるよ。
I will show you around Kyoto tomorrow. (As a favor for you)
公園で友達の写真を撮ってあげた。
I took a picture for my friend at the park. (As a favor)
赤ちゃんが寝ないから、子守唄を歌ってあげましょうか。
The baby won't sleep, so shall I sing a lullaby (for them)?
祖母に暖かいセーターを選んであげた。
I chose a warm sweater (as a favor) for my grandmother.
新しい同僚に仕事の内容を説明してあげてください。
Please explain the job details to our new colleague. (For them)
あ、ペンが落ちましたよ。拾ってあげる。
Oh, you dropped your pen. I'll get it (for you).