The Meaning of ageru [挙げる] In Japanese
挙げる
あげる
Romaji: ageru
N4
What does 挙げる mean?
Translation and Meaning
to raise, to lift, to cite, to mention, to present (an example)
Definition
挙げる means to raise or lift something physically, to cite or mention a point, or to present or enumerate items or examples.
Type
verb (ichidan, ru-verb)
Stroke Order
Meanings
- to raise or lift physically, as in raising a hand, a flag, or an object
- to cite or mention a point, name, or detail in discussion
- to present, enumerate, or list items, examples, or evidence
- to nominate or propose someone for a position or award in appropriate contexts
Etymology
挙 conveys the action of raising; the verb 挙げる is built by adding the okurigana げる to this kanji, yielding the sense of raising, presenting or citing.
Composition
- 挙: means to raise or lift; the overall meaning arises when combined with the verb ending げる to form a transitive action of presenting or citing
Usage
As a transitive verb, 挙げる takes a direct object and is used in formal and informal contexts to present, name, or list items; common phrases include 手を挙げる, 名前を挙げる, 意見を挙げる, 事例を挙げる; in classrooms and meetings it often signals presenting points or evidence.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: picture a hand raised in a meeting; the left side of the kanji is a hand radical, reminding you that 挙げる is about raising and presenting a point or item.
Variations
- 述べる — to state (noberu)
- 提示する — to present (teiji suru)
- 列挙する — to enumerate (retsujō suru)
- 名前を挙げる — to name or mention (namae o ageru)
Example Phrases
-
授業で 例を 三つ挙げると 先生に 褒められた。jugyō de rei o mittsu ageru to sensei ni homerareta.In class, when I listed three examples, I was praised by the teacher.Lista:
- 授業で (jugyō de) – in class
- 例を (rei o) – an example
- 三つ挙げると (mittsu ageru to) – when I list three
- 先生に (sensei ni) – by the teacher
- 褒められた (homerareta) – was praised
The verb 「挙げる」 means ‘to list/mention’ items; 三つ挙げると = ‘when I list three items,’ and 褒められた is the passive form meaning ‘was praised’ by 先生.
