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
受け取る
うけとる (uketoru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "receive" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 頂く and 受け取る.
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 "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: "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.". "受け取る" represents "to receive, to accept".