くれる？
kureru?
The English phrase "can you give me" can be translated into Japanese as くれる？ (kureru?)
This phrase is used to make a casual request for someone to provide an object or a favor. When paired with a verb, it functions as a request for a favor or an action rather than a physical object.
What does it mean word for word?
The core verb is くれる, which specifically means "to give (to me)" or "to give to someone in the speaker's circle".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form くれる？ is informal. You should use it with friends, family or people of lower social status.
How does it change in a sentence?
To request an action, the verb must be in the -te form followed by くれる？
How do you pronounce it?
kureru?
Did you know?
- When using くれる to ask for a favor, you are grammatically framing the favor as a 'gift' being bestowed upon you. This creates a subtle nuance of gratitude inherent in the request itself.
- Japanese has two different words for 'to give' depending on the direction of the gift. くれる is used exclusively when someone gives something to the speaker or someone close to them, whereas あげる is used when the speaker gives to others.
- The phrase くれる？ becomes part of a complex system of 'giving and receiving' verbs that can express gratitude or obligation without ever using the word 'thank you'.
Examples in context
- 乗せてくれる？Can you give me a ride?This example is useful for asking for a ride using くれる？Tatoeba #10496106 by small_snow, translation #533068 by darinmex
- 説明してくれる？Can you give me an explanation?This example is useful for asking for an explanation using くれる？Tatoeba #4216062 by bunbuku, translation #3152577 by CK
- それ取ってくれる？Can you give me that?This example is useful for asking someone to get an object using くれる？Tatoeba #2419784 by tommy_san, translation #1655471 by gleki
- お茶をお持ちくださいませんか？Could you please bring me some tea?
- メニューをお持ちくださいませんか？Can you bring me the menu, please?
- お茶を持ってくれない？Can you bring me some tea?
- メニューを持ってくれない？Can you bring me the menu?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a living room, Hinata is asking Himari for a pen.
- 陽太 Yotaペンを貸してくれる？Pen o kashite kureru?Can you lend me a pen?
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ。はい、どうぞ。Ii yo. Hai, douzo.Sure. Here you go.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、助かるよ。Arigatou, tasukaru yo.Thanks, that helps.
- 陽葵 Himariどういたしまして。Douitashimashite.You're welcome.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
