1.
to raise, to lift up
To move something upward.
手を上げる。
To raise one's hand.
声を上げる。
To raise one's voice.
旗を上げる。
To raise a flag.
効率を上げる。
To raise efficiency.
腕を上げた。
I improved my skills.
2.
to give
To present to someone.
プレゼントを上げる。
To give a present.
友達に本を上げた。
I gave a book to my friend.
犬に餌を上げる。
To give food to the dog.
子供にお小遣いを上げる。
To give pocket money to a child.
花を上げましょうか。
Shall I give you flowers?
上げる is a highly versatile verb with multiple meanings and uses.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
- Pair: 上がる (intransitive, to rise)
MEANINGS:
1. To raise/lift: 手を上げる (raise one's hand)
2. To give: プレゼントを上げる (give a present)
3. To improve: 効率を上げる (raise efficiency)
AUXILIARY USE:
〜てあげる expresses doing something for someone's benefit (speaker → other):
- 教えてあげる: to teach (for someone)
- 手伝ってあげる: to help (for someone)
NOTE:
When giving to social superiors, use 差し上げる instead.