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to do something for someone (inferior/animal)
Definition
The grammar pattern ～てやる is used to express that the speaker performs a favor for someone of much lower status, such as a younger sibling, a pet, or a plant. It implies a sense of obligation or duty, and can sound somewhat authoritative or commanding. This pattern is not suitable for use with equals or superiors, as it may come across as rude or condescending.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu form of the verb | Verb stem + て + やる | 食べる (taberu) -> 食べてやる (tabete yaru) |
| Masu form of the verb | Verb stem + て + やる (with a sense of obligation) | 見る (miru) -> 見てやる (mite yaru) |
| Masu form of the verb | Verb stem + て + やる (with a sense of duty) | 教える (o-sireru) -> 教えてやる (o-siete yaru) |
Examples
花に水をかけてやった。
hana ni mizu o kaketeyatta.
I gave water to the flower.
花に水をかけて (watered the flower) + やった (did it)
犬に新しいおもちゃを買ってやった。
inu ni atarashii omocha o katta yatta.
I bought a new toy for the dog.
犬に新しいおもちゃを買って (bought a new toy for the dog) + やった (did it)
弟のアイスを一口食べてやった。
otouto no aisu o hitotsu kuwabette yatta.
I ate a bite of my younger brother's ice cream.
弟のアイスを一口食べて (ate a bite of my younger brother's ice cream) + やった (did it)
Context
This pattern is typically used in informal situations, and is not suitable for formal writing or speaking. It is often used with pets, children, or people of lower status. Be careful not to use it with equals or superiors, as it may come across as rude or condescending.
Watch out
～てやる is too informal and may come across as rude or condescending when used with friends or superiors.
～てあげる is more polite and suitable for use with equals or superiors, while ～てやる is more informal and suitable for use with pets, children, or people of lower status.
～てくれる is used to express that someone else is doing something for the speaker, while ～てやる is used to express that the speaker is doing something for someone else.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the relationship between the speaker and the recipient. If the speaker is doing something for someone of lower status, such as a pet or a child, ～てやる may be an acceptable choice. However, if the speaker is doing something for an equal or a superior, a more polite expression such as ～てあげる or ～てくださる is more suitable.
Related
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows ～てやる used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
花に水をかけてやりました。
Pattern used: やりました
Plants are non-human and lower in status, so 'te yaru' is commonly used for caring for them.
犬に新しいおもちゃを買ってやりました。
Pattern used: やりました
For pets, 'te yaru' is appropriate to describe actions done for them.
弟のアイスを一口食べてやりました。
Pattern used: やりました
When doing something for a much younger brother in a casual way, 'te yaru' can be used.
Interactive
花に水をかけて______。
Adaptive practice
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