Meaning and Usage
The verb 挙げる (あげる) primarily means "to raise" or "to lift up," but it also has important uses such as "to list" or "to cite" examples or points. It is a common verb in both spoken and written Japanese.
Common Contexts
- Physically raising something, like a hand or a flag.
- Listing or citing examples, problems, or reasons.
- Sometimes used in formal contexts to mean "to perform" or "to carry out" (e.g., 挙げる as in a wedding ceremony 挙げる).
Collocations and Patterns
- 手を挙げる: to raise one's hand, often to ask a question or volunteer.
- 例を挙げる: to give an example.
- 問題を挙げる: to point out or list problems.
- 挙げ句の果てに: an expression meaning "in the end" or "after all that."
Register and Nuance
挙げる is polite and neutral, suitable for formal and informal situations. It is often used in academic, business, and everyday contexts.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 挙げる with 上げる (also read あげる), which can mean "to raise" but has broader uses like "to give" or "to do something for someone." Pay attention to context and kanji to distinguish them.