Grammar · N4
あげる・くれる・もらう: viewpoint in giving
Japanese giving verbs encode whose viewpoint the transfer is organized around.
In short
あげる presents giving from the giver side, often speaker/in-group to someone else. くれる presents someone giving to the speaker or speaker’s in-group. もらう presents the receiver obtaining something from a giver.
How it works
The same viewpoint extends to 〜てあげる, 〜てくれる and 〜てもらう for actions done as benefits.
Useful contrast
English often uses one verb “give” or a passive paraphrase, so Japanese requires more attention to relationship and viewpoint.
Examples
友達が手伝ってくれました。
My friend helped me.
先生に見てもらいました。
I had the teacher look at it for me.
Common pitfall
Be careful with 〜てあげる toward people of higher status; it can sound as though you are framing your action as a favor.