Actions as Favors
Japanese has specific patterns to express doing something for someone (a favor) or receiving such favors. These combine the て form with giving/receiving verbs.
Doing for Others: 〜てあげます
Use 〜てあげます when you do something for someone else (usually someone of equal or lower status).
Pattern
Verb (て form) + あげます
I do [verb] for [someone]
Examples
弟に日本語を教えてあげました。
Otouto ni nihongo o oshiete agemashita.
I taught Japanese to my younger brother (as a favor).
友達に写真を撮ってあげました。
Tomodachi ni shashin o totte agemashita.
I took a photo for my friend.
Caution
Using 〜てあげます can sound condescending if used inappropriately. Avoid using it with superiors or in formal situations.
Receiving Favors: 〜てもらいます
Use 〜てもらいます when you receive a favor from someone (they do something for you).
Pattern
Verb (て form) + もらいます
I have [someone] do [verb] for me
Examples
友達に手伝ってもらいました。
Tomodachi ni tetsudatte moraimashita.
I had my friend help me. / My friend helped me.
先生に説明してもらいました。
Sensei ni setsumei shite moraimashita.
The teacher explained it to me.
道を教えてもらえますか。
Michi o oshiete moraemasu ka.
Could you tell me the way?
Someone Does for Me: 〜てくれます
Use 〜てくれます when someone does something for you (speaker-focused, appreciative).
Pattern
Verb (て form) + くれます
[Someone] does [verb] for me
Examples
母が料理を作ってくれました。
Haha ga ryouri o tsukutte kuremashita.
My mother made food for me.
友達が空港まで送ってくれました。
Tomodachi ga kuukou made okutte kuremashita.
My friend took me to the airport.
待ってくれてありがとう。
Matte kurete arigatou.
Thank you for waiting (for me).
Summary Chart
| Pattern | Direction | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 〜てあげます | I → Others | I do for them |
| 〜てもらいます | Others → I | I have them do |
| 〜てくれます | Others → I | They do for me |