あげる

verb (ichidan)

to give, to raise

1. to give (to someone of equal/lower status)

Used when giving something to someone else. The giver is typically the speaker or someone close to the speaker. Not used when giving to superiors.

I gave a present to my friend.

I give food to the cat.

Often used for pets and children

What will you give for the birthday?

I'd like to give flowers.

I gave sweets to the children.

He gave me a book, so I want to give him something too.

2. to raise, to lift up

To move something to a higher position. Written as 上(あ)げる in this sense.

Please raise your hand.

I lifted the luggage onto the shelf.

Please don't raise your voice.

Please raise the window.

Lifting heavy luggage is hard, so let's carry it together.

TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞(たどうし) (transitive). Pattern: XがYにZをあげる (X gives Z to Y).

For the 'raise' meaning (上(あ)げる): Pair verb is 上(あ)がる (intransitive, to rise). Pattern: Xを上(あ)げる.

ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing action. あげている = 'is giving' or 'is raising.'

COMMON PATTERNS:

Related Words