～てあげる

How to form it

• Verb (て-form) + あげる

Register: Neutral

Explanation

Says that the speaker does something as a favour for someone else.

Used for equals or lower-ranking people. When said to a superior, it may sound as though the speaker is doing them a favour, so ましょうか or other expressions are used.

Examples

1. 友達に、地図をかいてあげた。

   ともだちに、ちずをかいてあげた。

   I drew a map for my friend.

2. 子供に、本を読んであげる。

   こどもに、ほんをよんであげる。

   I read a book to my child.

3. 荷物を持ってあげましょうか。

   にもつをもってあげましょうか。

   Shall I carry your luggage?

4. 妹に、宿題を手伝ってあげた。

   いもうとに、しゅくだいをてつだってあげた。

   I helped my younger sister with her homework.

Compare with

• ～てくれる: てくれる is someone doing a favour for me.
• ～てやる: てやる is for people or animals of lower standing.

Common mistakes

• Using it to offer help to a superior in a direct way; it can sound condescending.