Kodomo ni kukkii o agemashita
“ageru” and “yaru”
In this lesson, you will learn how to describe the transfer of objects between two people. In Japanese, the flow of objects is often tied to the relationship between the giver and the receiver. Two common verbs for giving are “ageru” and “yaru.” While both verbs express the movement of an object from person A to person B, the nature of the relationship between A and B determines which verb is appropriate.
“Ageru” is used when A is giving something to B on relatively equal terms, or when A is showing respect to B. This verb is commonly used in polite contexts or when the giver considers the recipient to be on the same or higher social level.
On the other hand, “yaru” is used when A is in a superior position or when the giver views B as being in an inferior or subordinate position, such as when giving something to pets, plants, or children. While it has the same fundamental meaning as “ageru,” the nuance of “yaru” reflects a more casual or less formal relationship.”
Overall, this transfer is basically from “Uchi” to “Soto”.
Objects move from me (or A) to B.
Watashi ga (A-san ga) kukkii o B-san ni agemasu.
Watashi ga (A-san ga) kukkii o B-san ni yarimasu.
I (or A) make something for B. (Objects move from me (or A) to B.)
Watashi ga (A-san ga) kukkii o B-san ni tsukutte agemasu.
Watashi ga (A-san ga) kukkii o B-san ni tsukutte yarimasu.
When you use “…te ageru” in conversations, it gives the feeling that “You owe me”, so you better not use “…te ageru”. Especially for the occasions of business or public speeches. This could be used with friends, families and the people who are younger than you. It is worse to use “…te yaru”, because “yaru” means that things go from top to down, so it gives the feeling of looking down on someone.
“Ageru” and “yaru” are not honorific expressions, but these are the words that express the position of yourself (A) and B.
Expression
Tomodachi ni chokoreeto o agemashita. (I gave chocolate to my friend.)
Satousan ga suzukisan ni biiru o agemashita. (Mr. Sato gave some beer to Mr. Suzuki.)
Maiasa, hana ni mizu o yarimasu. (Every morning I water the flowers.)
Inu ni esa o yarimashita. (I fed a dog.)
Oya ni massaaji o shite agemashita. (I did a massage to my parents.)
Gaikoku no tomodachi ni nihongo o oshiete agemasu. (I teach Japanese to my foreign friends.)
Kodomo ni kukkii o tsukutte agemashita. (I baked cookies to my children.)