Processing keyword: ～から もらいます (〜kara moraimasu)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～から もらいます (〜kara moraimasu)
～からもらいます (〜kara moraimasu)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～からもらいます (〜kara moraimasu), which is used to express receiving something from someone. Understanding this structure is essential for conveying interactions involving giving and receiving, a fundamental aspect of daily communication in Japanese.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
～からもらいます translates to "receive from ~" in English. It indicates that the subject receives something from someone or somewhere.
Structure
The basic structure is:
[Recipient] は [Giver] から [Object] を もらいます。
- [Recipient] は: The person who receives (marked by は).
- [Giver] から: The person who gives (followed by から meaning "from").
- [Object] を: The item received (marked by を).
- もらいます: "to receive".
Formation Diagram
| Component | Japanese | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Recipient | [Recipient] は | Subject (receiver) |
| Giver | [Giver] から | Source of the object |
| Object | [Object] を | The item being received |
| Verb | もらいます | Verb meaning "to receive" |
3. Comparative Analysis
～にあげます versus ～からもらいます
- ～にあげます (~ni agemasu) means "to give to ~".
- ～からもらいます (~kara moraimasu) means "to receive from ~".
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| I give a book to Tom. | 私はトムに本をあげます。 |
| I receive a book from Tom. | 私はトムから本をもらいます。 |
Note: The giver and receiver switch roles, and the particles に (to) and から (from) indicate the direction of the action.
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Basic Sentence
Japanese: 私は友達からプレゼントをもらいました。 Romaji: Watashi wa tomodachi kara purezento o moraimashita. English: I received a present from a friend.
Example 2: Using Formal Language
Japanese: 私は社長から賞をいただきました。 Romaji: Watashi wa shachō kara shō o itadakimashita. English: I received an award from the company president. (いただきました is the humble form of もらいました.)
Example 3: Informal Conversation
Japanese: 彼女から手紙もらったよ。 Romaji: Kanojo kara tegami moratta yo. English: I got a letter from her.
Example 4: Receiving from a Place or Organization
Japanese: 市役所からお知らせをもらいました。 Romaji: Shiyakusho kara oshirase o moraimashita. English: I received a notice from the city hall.
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness
- もらいます is polite and commonly used in neutral situations.
- いただきます is the humble form, used to show respect when receiving from someone of higher status.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 恩恵を受ける (onkei o ukeru): To receive a favor/benefit.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Using the wrong particle: Mixing up から and に.
- Incorrect: 私は友達にプレゼントをもらいました。
- Correct: 私は友達からプレゼントをもらいました。
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic for Particles:
- から (kara) sounds like "come from" → use when receiving.
- に (ni) is like "to" → use when giving.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～からもらいます is used to express receiving something from someone.
- The giver is marked with から.
- Be mindful of politeness levels and use いただきます when appropriate.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you say "I received a book from my teacher" in Japanese?
- Which particle do you use with もらいます to indicate the giver?
- What is the humble form of もらいます?
Answer Key
1. **私は先生から本をもらいました。** 2. **から** 3. **いただきます**Feel free to practice by creating your own sentences using ～からもらいます!