Mastering もらう (Morau): The Art of Receiving in Japanese

In Japanese culture, receiving a gift or a favor is never just a transaction—it is an exchange of warmth and gratitude. At the N4 level, mastering the verb もらう (貰う) is essential for expressing this gratitude.貰

In this guide, we will break down how to use もらう for physical objects and how to combine it with verbs (〜てもらう) to express appreciation for favors.

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1. Receiving Physical Objects: [Receiver] は [Giver] に/から [Object] を もらう

When you receive a tangible item, use the basic verb もらう (dictionary form) or もらいます (polite form).

The Grammar Structure

$$\text{[Receiver] は/が} + \text{[Giver] に/から} + \text{[Object] を} + \text{もらう / もらいました}$$

• The Receiver (は/が): Usually "I" (わたし), but can be anyone. If it is "I", it is often omitted.
• The Giver (に/から): The person who gave the item. You can use either particle, but から (from) is preferred when receiving from an institution, school, or company.
• The Object (を): The item received.

Examples

• 私は友達に誕生日プレゼントをもらいました。
  • Watashi wa tomodachi ni tanjōbi purezento o moraimashita.
  • I received a birthday present from my friend.
  私友達誕生日
• 妹は先生から本をもらった。
  • Imōto wa sensei kara hon o moratta.
  • My little sister received a book from the teacher.
  妹先生本

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2. Receiving Actions (Favors): 〜てもらう

In Japanese, when someone does you a favor, simply saying "they did X" can sound cold. Instead, we use the Te-form + もらう construction. This translates to "to have someone do something for me" and carries a strong nuance of gratitude.

The Grammar Structure

$$\text{[Receiver] は} + \text{[Giver] に} + \text{[Verb て-form]} + \text{もらう}$$

⚠️ Key Rule: The giver of the action is always marked by the particle に in this construction.

Examples

• 私は田中さんに英語を教えてもらいました。
  • Watashi wa Tanaka-san ni Eigo o oshiete moraimashita.
  • I had Mr. Tanaka teach me English. (Literal: I received the favor of teaching English from Mr. Tanaka.)
  私田中英語教
• 私はお母さんにシャツを洗ってもらった。
  • Watashi wa okāsan ni shatsu o aratte moratta.
  • I had my mother wash my shirt.
  私母洗

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3. Crucial N4 Distinctions: もらう vs. くれる

A common mistake for N4 learners is confusing もらう (to receive) with くれる (to give me).

Use もらう when you want to keep the spotlight on the receiver (yourself).

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Quick Check: Test Your Knowledge!

Translate the following sentences into Japanese using もらう or 〜てもらう:

1. I received a letter from my father.
2. I had my friend help me with my homework.

Answers

1. 私は父に/から手紙をもらいました。 (Watashi wa chichi ni/kara tegami o moraimashita.)私父手紙
2. 私は友達に宿題を手伝ってもらいました。 (Watashi wa tomodachi ni shukudai o tetsudatte moraimashita.)私友達宿題手