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

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

1. How do you say "I received a book from my teacher" in Japanese?
2. Which particle do you use with もらいます to indicate the giver?
3. What is the humble form of もらいます?