Translation and Meaning of: 挙げる - ageru

If you have already studied Japanese, you have probably encountered the verb 挙げる (あげる), which appears in situations as varied as raising hands, listing examples, or even giving someone a gift. In this article, we will uncover the origin, everyday uses, and even curiosities of this versatile term — because, yes, it goes far beyond simply "to raise." Here on Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, you will also find the correct kanji writing, ready-made phrases to add to Anki, and tips to avoid confusing it with similar verbs. Ready to master 挙げる once and for all?

Etymology and Pictogram: What does the kanji hide?

The kanji 挙 is a feast for the eyes of those curious about the Japanese language. Its upper part, 与, suggests the idea of "giving" or "granting," while the lower part, 手 (hand), reinforces the physical action. Together, they paint the image of someone raising their hands to offer something — whether it be an object, an idea, or even a toast in an izakaya. It's no wonder that this character also appears in words like 挙式 (きょしき), wedding ceremony, where the couple "stands up" for the new cycle.

Historically, the verb emerged during the Heian period (794-1185), but it gained more abstract uses over time. An example? When we say 例を挙げる (れいをあげる), "to give examples", we are borrowing the same idea of "raising" information to make it visible. Want to memorize it? Imagine a master of ceremonies lifting (挙げる) a cup during a speech — this way, you associate the physical gesture with the act of presenting something.

Practical Uses: From the Concrete to the Abstract

In Japanese cuisine, 手を挙げる (てをあげる) is the classic gesture to call the waiter, but on social media, 投票に挙げる (とうひょうにあげる) means to put something to a vote. The magic of this verb lies in its ability to transition between the physical and the symbolic. Have you noticed how, in business meetings, the Japanese often say 意見を挙げてください (いけんをあげてください) — "please present your opinions"? It's as if ideas are objects to be raised for everyone to see.

A common mistake among learners is to confuse it with 上げる (also "ageru"), used for concrete things like raising volumes. The tip? Think of 挙げる as "to make public": when you 犯人が挙がった (はんにんがあがった) ("the criminal has been identified"), they come out of obscurity. This usage also appears in manga like "Detective Conan," when the police "expose" the culprit.

Culture and Curiosities: Beyond the dictionary

In the Obon festival, the Japanese raise lanterns (灯籠を挙げる / とうろうをあげる), releasing lanterns into the river to guide the spirits — a usage that combines vertical movement and spiritual meaning. In business, some say that making a name (名を挙げる / なをあげる) is harder than climbing Mount Fuji. And speaking of mountains, did you know that in regional dialects like that of Osaka, 挙げる can take on a more informal tone, almost like a "let's go!" among friends?

To practice, how about trying to recognize the verb in everyday scenes? When you see a commercial saying 「当選者を挙げます！」 ("we will announce the winners!"), note: it's the same logic as "bring to light." And if someone asks you 「何か質問を挙げませんか？」 ("won't you raise a question?"), now you know it's an invitation to participate, not a test of physical flexibility!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 挙げる

• 挙げます - polite form
• 挙げる - Neutrum form
• 挙げよう - Suggestion form
• 挙げた Regular past
• 挙げない - Negative

Synonyms and similar words

• 上げる (ageru) - increase, raise
• 抬げる (ageru) - Lift, raise (used in physical contexts)
• 持ち上げる (mochiageru) - Lift (something heavy, carry)
• 持ち上がる (mochiagaru) - To be lifted, to be raised
• 取り上げる (toriageru) - Take, carry, lift (something)
• 取り上がる (toriagaru) - To be raised (usually used in the context of picking something up)
• 舉げる (ageru) - Raise, lift (usually not used in physical contexts)
• 揚げる (ageru) - Fry, elevate (used in culinary contexts)
• 手上げる (teageru) - Raise your hand
• 手上がる (teagaru) - To raise (the hand)
• 立てる (tateru) - Raise, erect (objects)
• 立てがる (tategaru) - Stand up, be raised (in a less common context)
• 起こす (okosu) - Wake up, raise (a person or thing)
• 起こる (okoru) - Happen, occur
• 担ぐ (kakugu) - Carry on one's back, lift
• 担がれる (kagarareru) - To be carried (usually on the back)
• 担ぎ (kakugi) - Action of carrying, lifting something on the back
• 担げる (kageleru) - Be able to carry
• 担がす (kagasu) - Make someone carry
• 担がせる (kagaseru) - Allow someone to
• 担がれ (kagare) - Be loaded
• 担ぎ上げる (kagiuageru) - Raise, lift something up (more emphatic)