上げる

• Reading: あげる
• Romaji: ageru
• Kanji breakdown: 上 (jou/ue/a) — up, above, to raise
• Pronunciation: /a.ɡe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To raise; to elevate; to give (to someone of equal or lower status).

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb with multiple meanings. Physically means to raise or lift something up. As part of the giving/receiving system, あげる means to give something to someone (not to the speaker). Also used in ～てあげる pattern meaning 'to do something for someone.'

Examples

1. 手を上げてください。 Please raise your hand.
2. 妹にお菓子をあげました。 I gave my little sister some candy.
3. 声を上げて歌いましょう。 Let's raise our voices and sing.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, giving, classroom

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 上 means 'up/above' and げる adds the verb meaning. One of the most fundamental directional verbs in Japanese, with roots in Old Japanese indicating upward movement.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal