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Difference between AGEMASU and KUREMASU (Lesson 33)

In Japanese, we use different verbs, depending on whether we speak from the perspective of the giver or the receiver.

Like Kenta in the skit, when the speaker gives something to the listener, the speaker says AGEMASU from the perspective of the giver. AGEMASU is also used, when people generally give something to others. But be careful. AGEMASU implies "giving a favour to others." So, it would be impolite, if you used this word, when you talk about giving something to a superior. In such a case, you say SASHIAGEMASU, an expression that indicates respect to the receiver.

On the other hand, if somebody gives something to you, you use KUREMASU from the perspective of the receiver. So, when Kenta gives Anna a photo, Anna uses the word KUREMASU with Kenta as the subject.
You also use KUREMASU, when somebody gives something to a person close to you, such as your family members. You call those people who belong to your inner circle UCHI.

The distinction between UCHI (people close to you, who belong to your inner group), and SOTO (people distant from you, who are outside of your circle), is important in speaking Japanese properly. We do not use honorific words, when we speak about people who belong to UCHI.