Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "もらう", "受け取る", "受ける", "貰う"
All represent the core concept "receive", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
もらう
もらう (morau)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
受け取る
うけとる (uketoru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
受ける
うける (ukeru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
貰う
もらう (morau)
N4 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "receive" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "もらう", "受け取る", "受ける", "貰う" based on context.
- もらう (もらう (morau) - Level: N5): Maps to "to receive (from someone)" and is used when Used when the speaker or someone in their group receives something from another person. Direction: giver → receiver.
- 受け取る (うけとる (uketoru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to receive, to accept" and is used when Means to take something that is given or sent. It implies physically taking possession. Can also mean to understand or interpret something..
- 受ける (うける (ukeru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to receive, to take (an exam), to undergo" and is used when 複数の意味を持つ動詞。「試験を受ける.
- 貰う (もらう (morau) - Level: N4): Maps to "to receive; to get (from someone)" and is used when 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..
Context for "もらう"
友達からプレゼントをもらいました。
I received a present from my friend.
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.
Context for "受ける"
来月、JLPTの試験を受けます。
I will take the JLPT exam next month.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達からプレゼントをもらいました。" (Meaning: "I received a present from my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "もらう" is correct here because it represents "to receive (from someone)" in the context: "I received a present from my friend.".