おごるよ
Ogoru yo
The phrase "I will treat you" in Japanese is translated as おごるよ (Ogoru yo).
This phrase is used when you offer to pay for another person's expenses, such as a meal, drinks or an activity. Note that it is specifically used for paying for someone else and is not used for "treating" someone in a medical sense or other general contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb おごる (ogoru) literally means to treat someone to something, typically food or drink.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form おごるよ is casual and should be used with friends, family or subordinates. For a more polite version, you should use おごります when speaking to a superior or someone you are not close with. Additionally, the phrase Atashi ga trīto shichau yo is a very informal way to say "I will treat you" that is typically used by young people among friends.
How do you pronounce it?
Ogoru yo
Did you know?
- While おごる means to treat someone, it can also mean 'to be boastful' or 'to be arrogant' in certain contexts. This link comes from the idea of someone who has too much and feels superior to others.
- Asking a friend おごって (ogotte) is a common way to playfully demand they pay for you. In many English-speaking cultures, this would be seen as overly rude.
- Treating someone can create giri (social obligation). This means the person receiving the treat is culturally expected to return the favor in the future.
Examples in context
- 今日は僕がおごるよ。Kyou wa boku ga ogoru yo.I will treat you today.
- おいしいから、おごるよ！Oishii kara, ogoru yo!It's delicious, so I'll treat you!
- お祝いに、おごるよ。Oiwai ni, ogoru yo.I will treat you to celebrate.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are at a restaurant after a celebration.
- 健太 Kenta合格おめでとう！僕がおごるよ。Goukaku omedetou! Boku ga ogoru yo.Congratulations on passing! I will treat you.
- 陽葵 Himari本当？ありがとう、健太くん！Hontou? Arigatou, Kenta-kun!Really? Thank you, Kenta!
- 健太 Kenta今日は好きなものを食べてね。Kyou wa suki na mono o tabete ne.Eat whatever you like today.
- 陽葵 Himari嬉しい！じゃあ、遠慮なく！Ureshii! Jaa, enryo naku!I'm so happy! Then, I won't hold back!
