To do an action for someone as a favor, from the giver's perspective.
Verb [て-form] + あげるPrimary
You do something good for another person. You are helping them. You are the one giving the help.
友達の宿題を手伝ってあげる。
I'll help my friend with their homework.
弟に新しいゲームを買ってあげたんだ。
I bought a new game for my younger brother.
もう時間がないから、これ以上は手伝ってあげない。
There's no more time, so I'm not helping you any further.
後で駅まで送ってあげますから、心配しないでください。
I'll give you a ride to the station later, so please don't worry.
猫が病気だったので、一日中そばにいてあげた。
My cat was sick, so I stayed by its side all day.
Imagine you are giving a gift. This grammar shows you are the giver. It can sound a bit proud. So, use it with people you know well. Or with people younger than you. Avoid it with bosses or strangers.
This is different from '〜てくれる'. That means someone does something for you. This is also different from '〜てやる'. That is a rude way to say you do something for someone. You use '〜てやる' for animals or people you feel are below you.
Don't use this when talking to someone above you. For example, don't use it with your boss. That would be rude. Use other humble words instead.
Contrasts with(2)
More formal alternatives(1)
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