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
貰う
もらう (morau)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "receive" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 頂く and 貰う.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "貰う" represents "to receive; to get (from someone)".