Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Receive" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "receive", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
もらいます
もらいます (moraimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
頂く
いただく (itadaku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "receive" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もらいます and 頂く.
In Japanese, もらいます (もらいます (moraimasu)) is typically associated with "to receive" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used when the receiver.
On the other hand, 頂く (いただく (itadaku)) maps to "to receive (humble form of もらう); to eat/drink (humble form of 食べる/飲む)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A humble verb. Used for receiving something from someone, or for eating/drinking something. Always refers to the speaker's action or something benefiting the speaker.. A literal translation of "receive" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "もらいます"
友達からプレゼントをもらいました。
I received a present from my friend.
Bilingual Context for "頂く"
先生に本を貸して頂きました。
I received the favor of the teacher lending me a book.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達からプレゼントをもらいました。" (Meaning: "I received a present from my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "もらいます" fits here because it means "to receive" in the context of: "I received a present from my friend.". "頂く" represents "to receive (humble form of もらう); to eat/drink (humble form of 食べる/飲む)".