～てくれる (te kureru) - Receiving Favors in Japanese

This grammar focuses on the giver's kindness. The person doing the favor is the subject. They are the one performing the action. You are the one receiving the benefit. It creates a bridge between two people. Imagine a friend buying you a coffee. In English, you just say "He bought me coffee." In Japanese, you use ~te kureru to show he did it for you. It highlights the direction of the favor. The favor always flows toward you. It can also flow toward your "in-group." This includes your family or close friends. It is like a grammar spotlight on someone's helpfulness.

1. 1Creating this pattern is very simple. You only need two steps.
2. 2Change your main verb into the te-form.
3. 3Add kureru (dictionary form) or kuremasu (polite form).
4. 4For example, the verb kau (to buy) becomes katte. Then add kureru to get katte kureru. The verb oshieru (to teach) becomes oshiete. Then add kureru to get oshiete kureru. Yes, even native speakers find the te-form tricky sometimes. Just take your time with the conjugations. If the verb is an Irregular verb, remember its special form. Kuru becomes kite kureru. Suru becomes shite kureru.

You use this whenever someone helps you out. Imagine you are lost in Tokyo. A kind stranger shows you the way. You would say they oshiete kureta (taught/showed me). Use it when a coworker finishes your report. Use it when your mom cooks your favorite meal. It is perfect for ordering food too. If a waiter brings you a menu, they motte kite kureta. It is also great for job interviews. You can thank the interviewer for their time. "Thank you for meeting me" uses this pattern. It shows you recognize their effort. It makes you sound like a polite, thoughtful person.

Do not use this when you do something for others. That is a different rule called ~te ageru. If you use kureru for yourself, it sounds very strange. It is like saying someone else is you. Also, avoid using it for negative actions. If someone hits you, do not use kureru. It implies you are happy about the hit. Unless you really liked it, keep it for favors. Don't use it for things that are just facts. If the rain falls, it doesn't futte kureru unless you wanted it to. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. Only go when the action is a positive favor for you.

The biggest mistake is the subject-object mix-up. Remember, the person helping you is the subject. They take the particle ga or wa. You are the receiver. You take the particle ni. Many people say "I gave to me" by accident. Another mistake is using it for superiors. Kureru is for friends or equals. For a boss, you need the honorific kudasaru. Using kureru with your CEO might be a bit too casual. It is like calling your boss "dude" at a meeting. Also, don't forget the te-form. You cannot just add kureru to the dictionary form.

You will often see ~te morau. This also means receiving a favor. However, the focus is different. With ~te kureru, the giver is the hero. They decided to help you. With ~te morau, you are the focus. You asked or arranged for the help. It is like the difference between "He gave me a gift" and "I received a gift from him." Kureru feels more like an unexpected kindness. Morau feels more like a transaction or a request. Use kureru when you want to emphasize their generous spirit.