To receive something or a favor from someone, primarily in casual settings.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Receive items or favors from others.
- Commonly used in casual daily conversations.
- Often used as a helper verb for favors.
Overview
- 1概要：「貰う（もらう）」は、何かを自分の所有にしたり、恩恵を受けたりすることを意味する非常に基本的な動詞です。基本的には、相手から何かを受け取るという物理的な動作から、好意的な行為をしてもらうという抽象的な意味まで幅広くカバーします。2) 使用パターン：「AがBから[物]を貰う」という形が基本です。また、「〜してもらう」という補助動詞的な使い方も非常に重要で、誰かに何かをしてほしい、あるいはしてもらったという感謝や依頼を伝える際にも頻繁に登場します。3) 一般的な文脈：友人や家族間でのやり取りでよく使われます。ビジネスシーンや目上の人に対しては、敬語である「頂く（いただく）」を使うのがマナーです。4) 類語との比較：「頂く」は謙譲語であり、目上の人からの授受に使います。「授かる」は、神聖なものや才能など、より重みのあるものを受け取る際に使われます。「貰う」はそれらと比較して、日常的でカジュアルな場面に適した言葉です。
Examples
友達から本を貰った。
everydayI received a book from a friend.
資料をメールで送って貰えますか？
formalCould you please send me the document by email?
お土産を貰って嬉しい。
informalI am happy to receive a souvenir.
教授からアドバイスを貰う。
academicI receive advice from the professor.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
お小遣いを貰う
receive allowance
教えて貰う
get someone to teach me
返事を貰う
get a reply
Often Confused With
Itadaku is the humble version of Morau. Use it for superiors to show respect.
Kureru means someone gives something to me. It focuses on the giver's action toward the receiver.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Morau is primarily used in informal and neutral contexts. It is a transitive verb that requires a source (marked by 'ni' or 'kara'). When used as a helper verb, it indicates receiving a favor, which is a core part of Japanese social interaction.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is using 'morau' when speaking to superiors, which sounds disrespectful. Another error is confusing the direction of the action; remember that 'morau' is always from the perspective of the receiver.
Tips
Use for casual requests
Use the structure ～てもらう to ask for favors politely but casually. It shows that you appreciate the other person's effort.
Avoid with superiors
Never use 'morau' when speaking to your boss or customers. It can sound rude or condescending; use 'itadaku' instead.
Gift giving culture
In Japan, receiving gifts involves gratitude. Always use polite language when acknowledging what you have received.
Word Origin
The word originates from the verb 'morau' which historically meant to be granted something. It evolved to represent the simple act of receiving in modern Japanese.
Cultural Context
In Japan, receiving is tied to social obligations. When you 'morau' something, it is often expected that you will reciprocate or express sincere gratitude.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Morau' as 'More-ow' - I want 'more' things, so I 'receive' them. It sounds like 'more' in English!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「貰う」は友人や同僚など対等以下の相手に使います。「頂く」は謙譲語なので、目上の人や顧客に対して使うのが正しいマナーです。
誰かに何かをしてもらったという恩恵や感謝を表す文法です。例：「友達に宿題を手伝ってもらった。」
基本的には避けるべきです。ビジネスでは「頂く」や「賜る」を使うのが適切です。
「あげる」や「やる」が反対の動作を表します。物を渡す側から見た視点になります。
Test Yourself
誕生日プレゼントを友達から___。
友達から受け取ったので「貰った」が正解です。
先生に書類を...
目上の人である先生から受け取る場合は謙譲語の「頂く」を使います。
（手伝う / 兄 / に / 貰った / 宿題を）
「誰に」「何を」「してもらう」の語順が適切です。
Score: /3
Summary
To receive something or a favor from someone, primarily in casual settings.
- Receive items or favors from others.
- Commonly used in casual daily conversations.
- Often used as a helper verb for favors.
Use for casual requests
Use the structure ～てもらう to ask for favors politely but casually. It shows that you appreciate the other person's effort.
Avoid with superiors
Never use 'morau' when speaking to your boss or customers. It can sound rude or condescending; use 'itadaku' instead.
Gift giving culture
In Japan, receiving gifts involves gratitude. Always use polite language when acknowledging what you have received.
Examples
4 of 4友達から本を貰った。
I received a book from a friend.
資料をメールで送って貰えますか？
Could you please send me the document by email?
お土産を貰って嬉しい。
I am happy to receive a souvenir.
教授からアドバイスを貰う。
I receive advice from the professor.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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