JLPT N5 grammar
くれる — Meaning & Examples
To give (from others to me). Carries gratitude.
くれる — Someone Gives to Me
くれる is used when SOMEONE ELSE gives to you. Carries gratitude.
Pattern: [giver] は (わたしに) [thing] を くれる
ともだちはプレゼントをくれました。
— My friend gave me a present.
せんせいがほんをくれた。
— The teacher gave me a book.
Key difference:
あげる = giving AWAY from me
くれる = giving TOWARD me (with gratitude)
Practice questions
Try these 3 questions on くれる. Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. Which verb means "I give to someone"?
- あげる (ageru)
- くれる (kureru)
- もらう (morau)
- できる (dekiru)
Show answer
Answer: あげる (ageru)
あげる = I give to someone (away from me).
2. "ともだちがプレゼントをくれた" means?
- I gave my friend a present
- My friend gave me a present
- I received a present
- My friend wants a present
Show answer
Answer: My friend gave me a present
くれる = someone gives TO ME. Carries gratitude.
3. Which shows giving TOWARD the speaker?
- あげる (ageru)
- くれる (kureru)
- もらう (morau)
- Both B and C
Show answer
Answer: くれる (kureru)
くれる shows giving toward me/my group.
Practise くれる in the free app
This point is part of the “Giving and Receiving” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N5 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N5 grammar points
From the same lesson: Giving and Receiving
Frequently asked questions
What does くれる mean?
To give (from others to me). Carries gratitude.
Is くれる on the JLPT N5 test?
くれる is taught in the JLPT N5 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “Giving and Receiving”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise くれる?
Open the “Giving and Receiving” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N5 mock exams, with no ads.