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Japanese Grammar: "~てくれます" (Someone does for me)

In this lesson, we will learn "~てくれます (Someone does ... for me)". This expression is used when someone kindly does something for you or your group.

📏 Structure
Person
+
が / は
+
Verb + Te-form
+
くれます

Unlike "~てもらいます", the subject (Topic) of this sentence is the person who does the action (the Giver).

Group 1: Godan Verbs

Masu Form Te-form + kuremasu Meaning
手伝います 手伝って くれます (Someone) helps me
送ります 送って くれます (Someone) gives me a ride
持ちます 持って くれます (Someone) holds for me

友達 宿題を 手伝ってくれました

tomodachi ga shukudai o tetsudatte kuremashita

English

My friend helped me with my homework.

佐藤さん 荷物を 持ってくれました

satou-san ga nimotsu o motte kuremashita

English

Mr. Sato held the luggage for me.

Group 2: Ichidan Verbs

Masu Form Te-form + kuremasu Meaning
教えます 教えて くれます (Someone) teaches me
見せます 見せて くれます (Someone) shows me

先生 日本語を 教えてくれました

sensei ga nihongo o oshiete kuremashita

English

The teacher taught me Japanese.

Group 3: Irregular Verbs

Masu Form Te-form + kuremasu Meaning
案内します 案内して くれます (Someone) guides me
説明します 説明して くれます (Someone) explains to me

ガイドさん 写真を 撮ってくれました

gaido-san ga shashin o totte kuremashita

English

The guide took a photo for me.

💡 Important Tip: "~te moraimasu" vs "~te kuremasu"

Both express gratitude, but the subject is different.

  • ~te moraimasu (~te moraimasu): "I get someone to do..." (Focus on Receiver)
    Example: 私は田中さん教えてもらいました。
  • ~te kuremasu (~te kuremasu): "Someone gives me the favor of doing..." (Focus on Giver)
    Example: 田中さん教えてくれました。

Summary

Expression Subject Particle for Giver
~te moraimasu I (Receiver) に (ni)
~te kuremasu Someone (Giver) が (ga) / は (wa)

⚡ Practice Quiz

Test your understanding of "~てくれます"!