Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Receive" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "receive", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
貰う
もらう (morau)
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 貰う and いただく.
In Japanese, 貰う (もらう (morau)) is typically associated with "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..
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 "貰う"
友達からプレゼントを貰いました。
I received a present from my friend.
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: "友達からプレゼントを貰いました。" (Meaning: "I received a present from my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "貰う" fits here because it means "to receive; to get (from someone)" in the context of: "I received a present from my friend.". "いただく" represents "to receive (humble form of もらう); to eat/drink (humble form of 食べる/飲む)".