GRAMMAR
〜てあげる
to do a favor (away)
Explanation
NOTE
てあげる means to do something for someone as a favor. You attach it after the て-form of a verb to show that the action is done for the benefit of another person.
NOTE
Be careful — using てあげる can sometimes sound condescending, as it emphasizes that you are doing the other person a favor. It is best used with close friends, family, or when the context clearly calls for it.
STRUCTURE
Vて
あげる妹に本を読んであげる。
Imouto ni hon wo yonde ageru.
I read for my younger sister.
友達に料理を作ってあげた。
Tomodachi ni ryouri wo tsukutte ageta.
I cooked for my friend.
母を手伝ってあげた。
Haha wo tetsudatte ageta.
I helped out my mother.
Example sentences
友達に日本語を教えてあげます。
I will teach Japanese to my friend (as a favor).
弟に本を貸てあげます。
I will lend a book to my younger brother (as a favor).
子どもの宿題を手伝ってあげました。
I helped my child with their homework (as a favor).
Practice exercises
1
妹に宿題を手伝ってあげた。
I helped my sister with homework (as a favor).
Answer
あげた
2
母にお茶を入れてあげた。
I made tea for my mother (as a favor).
Answer
あげた
3
友達に本を貸してあげた。
I lent a book to my friend (as a favor).
Answer
あげた
4
弟に教えてあげた。
I taught my younger brother (as a favor).
Answer
あげた
5
子どもに歌を歌ってあげた。
I sang a song for the child (as a favor).
Answer
あげた
6
母を手伝ってあげた。
I helped my mother (as a favor).
Answer
あげた
7
重い荷物を持ってあげます。
Answer
持ってあげます
8
重い荷物を持ってあげます。
I will do the favor of carrying the heavy luggage.
Answer
持ってあげます