Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Receive" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "receive", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
頂く
いただく (itadaku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
受ける
うける (ukeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "receive" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 頂く and 受ける.
In Japanese, 頂く (いただく (itadaku)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 受ける (うける (ukeru)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "receive" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "先生に本を貸して頂きました。" (Meaning: "I received the favor of the teacher lending me a book.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "頂く" fits here because it means "to receive (humble form of もらう); to eat/drink (humble form of 食べる/飲む)" in the context of: "I received the favor of the teacher lending me a book.". "受ける" represents "to receive, to take (an exam), to undergo".