JLPT N4
てくれる
Someone does ~ for me
Structure
Verb て-form くれる
How it works
This grammar point describes an action performed by someone else for the benefit of the speaker or someone in the speaker's inner circle. It focuses on the kindness or favor received rather than just the action itself. Unlike 'morau' which focuses on the receiving, 'te kureru' emphasizes that the subject took the initiative to help.
Examples
友達が宿題を手伝ってくれました。
My friend helped me with my homework.
母がセーターを編んでくれました。
My mother knitted a sweater for me.
田中さんが駅まで送ってくれました。
Mr. Tanaka gave me a ride to the station.
Common mistakes
Do not use 'te kureru' when you are the one doing the favor; instead, use 'te ageru'.
Tip
In 'te kureru' sentences, the subject is the giver and the speaker is the receiver. The particle 'wa/ga' marks the person doing the favor.
More JLPT N4 grammar
See てくれる in real Japanese
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