"言ってくれました" (itte kuremashita) and how to use it.

 "言ってくれました"

Meaning:

 * "They told me."

 * "They said to me."

 * "They informed me."

 * "They kindly told me."

Breakdown:

 * 言う (iu): To say

 * 言って (itte): Te-form of "言う"

 * くれる (kureru): To do something for someone (implies kindness or favor)

 * くれました (kuremashita): Past tense of "くれる"

How and When to Use:

 * Expressing gratitude: This phrase is used when someone kindly informs you of something. It emphasizes the kindness or favor of the other person.

   * Example: 先生が宿題を出さないと言ってくれました。 (Sensei ga shukudai o dasanai to itte kuremashita.) - The teacher kindly told me that there is no homework.

 * Reporting information: You can use it to report what someone told you, especially when you want to highlight their helpfulness.

   * Example: 友だちが試験の日時を教えてくれました。 (Tomodachi ga shiken no jikan o oshiete kuremashita.) - My friend kindly told me the date and time of the exam.

Key Points:

 * The Te-form (言って) is essential for connecting verbs with "くれる."

 * "くれる" indicates that the action is done for the benefit of the speaker.

 * "ました" is the past tense polite form.

Similar Phrases:

 * 言ってくれました (itte kuremashita): They kindly told me.

 * 言いました (iimashita): They said. (Neutral)

 * 言われました (iwaremashita): I was told. (Passive voice)