Processing keyword: Noun もらう (Noun wo morau)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun もらう (Noun wo morau)

Grammar Point: もらう (morau)

1. Introduction

The Japanese verb もらう (morau) means "to receive." This grammar point is particularly useful when you want to express that you received something from someone, often amplifying the relationship or connection with the giver.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

Meaning and Structure

• もらう (morau) is used to indicate that the speaker receives a noun (something) from someone else.
• Structure: Noun + を + もらう

Examples:

• プレゼントをもらう (purezento wo morau) → "I receive a present."
• 手伝いをもらう (tetsudai wo morau) → "I receive help."

Formation Diagram

   Noun (を) + もらう
      ↓
   Action of receiving

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• もらう (morau) vs. あげる (ageru):
  • もらう focuses on receiving, while あげる means "to give."
  • Example:
    • 私は友達にプレゼントをもらった。(Watashi wa tomodachi ni purezento wo moratta.) - "I received a present from my friend."
    • 友達にプレゼントをあげた。(Tomodachi ni purezento wo ageta.) - "I gave a present to my friend."
• もらう (morau) vs. くれる (kureru):
  • くれる is used when someone gives something to the speaker or someone considered close to the speaker.
  • Example:
    • 友達がプレゼントをくれた。(Tomodachi ga purezento wo kureta.) - "My friend gave me a present."

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 社長から名刺をもらいました。
     • (Shachou kara meishi wo moraimashita.)
     • "I received a business card from the company president."
2. Informal:
   • 友達からお菓子をもらった。
     • (Tomodachi kara okashi wo moratta.)
     • "I received sweets from my friend."
3. Written:
   • 彼は先生から褒められて、やる気をもらった。
     • (Kare wa sensei kara homeratte, yaruki wo moratta.)
     • "He received motivation from being praised by his teacher."
4. Spoken:
   • 昨日、彼女にお花をもらった！
     • (Kinou, kanojo ni ohana wo moratta!)
     • "I received flowers from my girlfriend yesterday!"

5. Cultural Notes

Explanation of Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, receiving gifts or favors is often significant. The act of giving and receiving highlights social connections and respect among individuals. It's crucial to express gratitude (often with ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) after receiving).

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• もらう (morau) is considered less formal than いただく (itadaku), which is a more polite way of saying "to receive."
  • For example:
    • 私は先生から本をいただいた。(Watashi wa sensei kara hon wo itadaita.)
    • "I received a book from the teacher."

Idiomatic Expressions

• お世話になっております (osewa ni natte orimasu) is a phrase used to express gratitude for someone's help over time, often in business contexts.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Making mistakes with particles: Remember to use the object particle を (wo) correctly with もらう.

  Incorrect: 友達にお菓子もらった (Tomodachi ni okashi moratta).

  Correct: 友達からお菓子をもらった (Tomodachi kara okashi wo moratta).

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "receive" as a transaction where you are on the receiving end, similar to the "from" indicated by から (kara) and the item indicated by を (wo).

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• もらう (morau) means "to receive" something from someone.
• The structure is Noun + を + もらう.
• It is different from あげる (ageru) (to give) and くれる (kureru) (to give to the speaker).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I received a gift from my friend" in Japanese?
   • Answer: 友達からプレゼントをもらった (Tomodachi kara purezento wo moratta).
2. Which is more formal: もらう (morau) or いただく (itadaku)?
   • Answer: いただく (itadaku) is more formal.
3. Write the structural formula for using もらう with an example noun.
   • Answer: Noun + を + もらう (e.g., 音楽をもらう - ongaku wo morau - "to receive music").