Translation and Meaning of: 上げる - ageru

If you have studied Japanese, you have probably come across the verb 上げる (ageru) at some point. This versatile little word appears in situations as diverse as giving a gift, complimenting someone, or even vomiting—yes, context is everything! In this article, we will explore in depth the etymology, everyday uses, and even some curiosities about this verb, which is a true wildcard in the Japanese language. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find writing tips, practical examples, and even ready-made sentences to add to your Anki and boost your studies.

What makes 上げる so special? Besides its basic meaning of "to give" or "to raise," it carries cultural and expressive nuances that only make sense when we dive into everyday Japanese life. Want to find out why this verb is so popular and how to use it without fear of making mistakes? Let's go!

Origin and etymology of 上げる

The kanji 上 in 上げる means "above" or "superior," and this already gives a hint of its central meaning: upward movement. The combination with the auxiliary verb げる (geru) reinforces the idea of action, creating a verb that literally means "to make something rise." But how did this simple idea evolve into so many different meanings?

In ancient Japanese language, the concept of "to elevate" was often associated with gestures of respect and courtesy. Offering something to someone of higher status, for example, required a physical movement of elevation — hence the connection with "giving." Over time, this meaning expanded to include abstract actions such as "to praise" (elevating reputation) or "to promote" (elevating position). Even the use in the sense of "to vomit" comes from this notion of bringing something from inside to outside, elevating it.

Everyday uses and popular expressions

In modern Japan, you will hear 上げる in surprising situations. When a boss praises a subordinate, it is said 褒めて上げる (homete ageru). When giving a gift to someone, the verb appears in プレゼントを上げる (purezento o ageru). But be careful: in formal contexts or with people of higher status, the more polite way is to use 差し上げる (sashiageru), the humble form of 上げる.

A classic scene is that of children flying kites — 凧を上げる (tako o ageru). The verb perfectly captures the movement of making the kite rise. In less poetic situations, such as when someone has had too much to drink, you may hear 飲みすぎて上げちゃった (nomisugite agechatta) — a euphemism for "to vomit." The versatility is such that even organizing expenses (経費を上げる keihi o ageru) or sending a child to school (学校に上げる gakkou ni ageru) are included in the mix!

Tips for memorization and curiosities

To avoid getting lost in the multiple meanings, an infallible technique is to associate 上げる with the central idea of "upward movement." To gift? Elevate something to the person's hands. To promote? Elevate in rank. To vomit? Well... you get it. This mental image helps to connect the seemingly disconnected points.

A cultural curiosity: at inauguration ceremonies in Japan, it is common to see the gesture of テープを上げる (tēpu o ageru) — cutting the ribbon. The verb here captures both the physical act of lifting the scissors as well as the symbolic meaning of "starting" something new. And if you want to impress a Japanese person, try using 手を上げて (te o agete) when you have questions — it’s the polite equivalent of "raising your hand" to ask something.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 上げる

• 上げる - Positive form: 上げます
• 上げる - Negative form: 上げません
• 上げる - Past form: 上げました
• 上げる - Negative past form: 上げませんでした

Synonyms and similar words

• 挙げる (Ageru) - Raise, mention
• 上る (Noboru) - Rise, ascend
• 騰る (Toboru) - Rise quickly, elevate oneself
• 抬げる (Agegeru) - Lift, raise something
• 翹る (Kiaru) - Get up, stand up
• 突き上げる (Tsukiageru) - Push up, lift with strength
• 昇る (Noboru) - Ascend, rise (higher genre)
• 舞い上がる (Maiagaru) - Rise up (in a context of dance or joy)
• 高める (Takameru) - Raise, increase (in of quality or altitude)
• 増す (Masu) - Increase, multiply
• 育てる (Sodateru) - Cultivate, educate (growth of living beings)
• 肥やす (Koyasu) - Fertilize, enrich (soil or conditions)
• 育成する (Ikusei suru) - Cultivate, nourish (development, training)
• 養う (Yasiru) - Nurture, sustain (life or emotional development)
• 育む (Hagukumu) - Create, nurture ( growth)
• 培う (Tsutsukau) - Instruct, cultivate (develop skills or knowledge)
• 促進する (Sokusin suru) - Promote, encourage (to advance a process)
• 推進する (Suishin suru) - Advance, promote (in a specific direction)
• 進める (Susumeru) - Progress, advance (take a step forward)
• 引き上げる (Hikiageru) - Raise, increase (pull up)
• 持ち上げる (Mochiageru) - Lift, raise (usually something heavy)
• 担ぎ上げる (Katsugiageru) - Lift and carry (usually something on the shoulders)
• 担ぐ (Katsugu) - Carry, (something on the back or shoulders)