Translation and Meaning of: 与える - ataeru
If you've ever wondered how to say "give" or "gift" in Japanese in a more formal way, the word 与える (あたえる) is one of the most useful for this context. In this article, you will discover not only the meaning and origin of this verb, but also how it is used in everyday Japanese, its correct writing in kanji, and even tips to memorize it effortlessly. Here at Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, you can also find examples of ready-made sentences to include in your Anki or other spaced repetition systems.
Many people search on Google for the exact translation of 与える, its etymology, and even how to differentiate it from other similar verbs. If this is your case, get ready for a detailed explanation that goes from the pictogram to real usage situations — such as when a boss rewards an employee or when someone gives a special gift. Shall we begin?
Origin and etymology of 与える
The kanji 与, which is part of the word 与える, has an interesting history. Originally, it represented the idea of "offering" or "distributing" something, and its ancient form resembled two hands exchanging an object. Over time, this character was incorporated into Japanese with the same meaning of granting, whether something physical (like a gift) or abstract (like an opportunity).
In the Japanese language, 与える carries a more formal tone than other verbs like あげる or くれる. It is often used in hierarchical contexts — imagine a teacher handing out a certificate or a government granting benefits. This nuance is essential to avoid sounding too casual in situations that require respect.
Everyday usage and grammatical constructions
One of the most common questions about 与える is when to use it instead of synonyms. The practical rule is simple: reserve it for occasions when there is a clear hierarchy or when the act of giving carries special weight. For example: The president awarded the outstanding employee. Do you notice how it sounds more solemn than あげた?
Another valuable detail is the particles that accompany this verb. Generally, the recipient is marked by に (as in the example above), while the object given takes を. This construction even appears in fixed expressions such as 影響を与える (to influence, literally "to give influence"). In negative contexts, such as "to not give a chance," the verb maintains the same structure: チャンスを与えない.
Tips for memorization and curiosities
Want a trick to never forget how to write 与える? The kanji 与 looks like a fork holding a piece of food — perfect for "giving" something to someone! Additionally, the reading あたえる has a rhythm similar to "throw," and you can create a mental association like "throwing a present to someone." It works especially well for visual learners.
In Japanese culture, this verb appears in unexpected contexts. Did you know that in samurai mangas it is common to see phrases like とどめを与える (to deliver the finishing blow)? Or that gifting money in envelopes (お年玉) can also be expressed with 与える in formal language? These uses show how the word is rooted in both traditional and modern Japan.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 授ける (sazukeru) - Grant, bestow
- 与う (au) - Dar, fornecer
- 供与する (kyōyo suru) - Grant, bestow (formal)
- 与す (sasu) - Grant, give (usually used in archaic contexts)
- 与る (ataru) - Receive, be given (usually of something that has been granted by someone)
- 与える (ataeru) - Give, assign
Related words
Romaji: ataeru
Kana: あたえる
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: to give; to present; reward
Meaning in English: to give;to present;to award
Definition: Give something to others.
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How to Write in Japanese - (与える) ataeru
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (与える) ataeru:
Example Sentences - (与える) ataeru
See below some example sentences:
Bassai wa kankyō ni aku eikyō o ataeru
Logging has a negative impact on the environment.
The cut has a negative effect on the environment.
- 伐採 - tree cutting
- は - Topic particle
- 環境 - environment
- に - Location particle
- 悪影響 - negative effect
- を - direct object particle
- 与える - cause
Fuketsu na hito wa kenkō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu
The dirty person can have a negative impact on health.
Dirty people may have a negative effect on health.
- 不潔な人 (fuketsu na hito) - dirty person
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 健康 (kenkou) - health
- に (ni) - target particle
- 悪影響 (aku eikyou) - negative effect
- を (wo) - object particle
- 与える (ataeru) - cause
- 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
- が (ga) - subject particle
- あります (arimasu) - exists
Kōrasu wa uta ni fukami o ataeru
Chorus gives depth to a song.
The chorus gives depth to the song.
- コーラス - Chorus
- は - Topic particle
- 歌 - song
- に - Target particle
- 深み - Depth
- を - object particle
- 与える - To give
Kono mondai wa juudai na eikyou wo ataeru kanousei ga aru
This issue has the potential to have a significant impact.
This issue can have a significant impact.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
- は - topic particle that indicates that what follows is the subject of the sentence
- 重大な - adjective that means "serious" or "severe"
- 影響 - noun that means "influence" or "impact"
- を - object particle that indicates the target of the action
- 与える - verb meaning "to give" or "to grant"
- 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
- が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"
Sutoresu wa kenkō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu
Stress can have a negative impact on health.
Stress can have a negative effect on your health.
- ストレス - Japanese word meaning "stress"
- は - Particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "stress"
- 健康 - Word in Japanese that means "health"
- に - Particle in Japanese that indicates the relationship between "stress" and "health", in this case, "affects health"
- 悪影響 - Japanese word meaning "negative effect"
- を - particle in Japanese that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "negative effect"
- 与える - Japanese verb that means "to cause"
- 可能性 - Word in Japanese that means "possibility"
- が - particle in Japanese that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "possibility"
- あります - Verb in Japanese that means "to exist", in this case, "there is a possibility"
- . - period to indicate the end of the sentence
Purasuchikku wa kankyō ni aku eikyō o ataeru koto ga arimasu
Plastic can have a negative impact on the environment.
Plastic can have a negative effect on the environment.
- プラスチック - Word in Japanese that means "plastic"
- は - particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 環境 - Japanese word meaning "environment"
- に - particle in Japanese that indicates the relationship of something with something else
- 悪影響 - Japanese word meaning "negative effect"
- を - particle in Japanese that indicates the object of the sentence
- 与える - Japanese verb that means "to cause"
- こと - noun in Japanese that means "thing"
- が - Particle in Japanese that indicates the subject of the sentence
- あります - verb in Japanese that means "to exist"
Kasui wa kankyō ni warui eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu
Sewage can have a bad effect on the environment.
- 下水 (gesui) - wastewater
- 環境 (kankyo) - environment
- 悪い (warui) - bad
- 影響 (eikyo) - influence, effect
- 与える (ataeru) - cause, give
- 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
- あります (arimasu) - there is, there is
Fukisoku na seikatsu wa kenkou ni aku eikyou wo ataeru
An irregular lifestyle negatively affects health.
An irregular life has a negative effect on health.
- 不規則な - irregular
- 生活 - lifestyle
- は - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
- 健康に - para saúde
- 悪影響を - negative impact
- 与える - dar
Subete no hito ni byoudou na kikai wo ataeru beki da
Everyone must have equal opportunities.
You must give everyone an equal opportunity.
- 全ての人に - All individuals
- 平等な - equality
- 機会を - Opportunities
- 与える - It must be given
- べきだ - It must be done
Kasen wa kankyō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga aru
Synthetic fibers may have an adverse effect on the environment.
- 化繊 - abbreviation of "chemical fiber", refers to synthetic fabrics produced from chemical products.
- は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "化繊".
- 環境 - environment, environment.
- に - location particle, indicates that the negative impact is "in" the environment.
- 悪影響 - negative effect, harmful impact.
- を - direct object particle, indicates that the object of the action is "可能性 of having a negative impact on the environment".
- 与える - to cause, to have an effect on.
- 可能性 - possibility, probability.
- が - subject particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "可能性がある".
- ある - to exist, to have.