Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Receive" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "receive", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
受ける
うける (ukeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
いただく
いただく (itadaku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "receive" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 受ける and いただく.
In Japanese, 受ける (うける (ukeru)) is typically associated with "to receive, to take (an exam), to undergo" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 複数の意味を持つ動詞。「試験を受ける.
On the other hand, いただく (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 Humble form of もらう. A literal translation of "receive" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "受ける"
来月、JLPTの試験を受けます。
I will take the JLPT exam next month.
Bilingual Context for "いただく"
お客様からお土産をいただきました。
I received a souvenir from the customer.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "来月、JLPTの試験を受けます。" (Meaning: "I will take the JLPT exam next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "受ける" fits here because it means "to receive, to take (an exam), to undergo" in the context of: "I will take the JLPT exam next month.". "いただく" represents "to receive (humble form of もらう); to eat/drink (humble form of 食べる/飲む)".