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
貰う
もらう (morau)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "receive" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もらう and 貰う.
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, 貰う (もらう (morau)) maps to "to receive; to get (from someone)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. Used to express receiving something from someone, or receiving a favor. Often implies the giver is of equal or higher status, or the action is done *for* the receiver.. 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 "貰う"
友達からプレゼントを貰いました。
I received a present from my friend.
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.". "貰う" represents "to receive; to get (from someone)".