〜てくれる expresses that someone kindly does something for you. While 〜てもらう emphasizes you as the beneficiary, 〜てくれる highlights the giver''s kindness and generosity.
Gratitude focus - Emphasizes appreciation for the action
In-group benefit - Can be used when someone helps your family/friends too
The subject (giver) is marked with が, and くれる conjugates like a regular る-verb.
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
てくれる vs てもらう
- てくれる = they kindly did (focus on giver)
- てもらう = I received (focus on receiver)
Subject is the giver, not the receiver
- 友達が教えてくれた (My friend taught me)
Can't use for your own actions
My friend kindly took me to the station.
My mom made me a bento.
The teacher kindly explained it to me carefully.
Find real examples
Discover this pattern in manga, dramas & more
Save for spaced repetition
Add sentences to your study deck
Practice 〜てくれる and other grammar patterns with manga, dramas, and more.
Start learning free