Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Receive" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "receive", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
もらう
もらう (morau)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
受け取る
うけとる (uketoru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "receive" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もらう and 受け取る.
In Japanese, もらう (もらう (morau)) is typically associated with "to receive (from someone)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used when the speaker or someone in their group receives something from another person. Direction: giver → receiver.
On the other hand, 受け取る (うけとる (uketoru)) maps to "to receive, to accept" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Means to take something that is given or sent. It implies physically taking possession. Can also mean to understand or interpret something.. A literal translation of "receive" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "もらう"
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 "受け取る"
小包を郵便局で受け取った。
I received the parcel at the post office.
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: "もらう" fits here because it means "to receive (from someone)" in the context of: "I received a present from my friend.". "受け取る" represents "to receive, to accept".