Meaning

Primary

To Give A Present

Alternative

To Gift

Word Type

transitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means presents so if you do presents, you're giving them, making this to give a present or to gift.

贈る is used for the act of giving when it's done with particular thoughtfulness or sincerity — often to express things like gratitude, love, congratulations, or respect. Things you might 贈る include flowers on a birthday, a commemorative item at an event, or even words of thanks. It can also extend to bestowing honors, titles, ranks, or awards, as these are also "gifts" in a sense.

Reading

おくる
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This word has the same reading as 送る (to send), so here's a mnemonic to help you remember it:

If you want to give a present to someone far away, you're going to need to 送る (おくる) it to them. Make sure you pay for tracking!

Context

Context Sentences

父の日には時計を贈るつもりです。

I plan to gift a watch for Father's Day.

感謝の気持ちを贈ります。

I send you my gratitude.

ファンタジーベースボールの優勝者には、何か賞品が贈られます。

The winner of fantasy baseball will be given something as a prize.

森は鳥の歌を私に贈ってくれる。

The forest gives me the gift of birdsong.

Kanji Composition