Processing keyword: Noun もらう (Noun wo morau)

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

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point "Noun を もらう (Noun wo morau)", which means "to receive something". This grammar structure is essential when expressing the act of receiving items or favors from others in Japanese. Understanding how to use もらう (morau) correctly will enhance your ability to communicate gratitude and discuss exchanges in everyday conversations.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

もらう (morau) is a verb that means "to receive". It is used when the speaker or subject receives something from someone else.

Structure

The basic sentence structure for using もらう is:

• [Receiver] は [Giver] に [Noun] を もらう
  • [Receiver] は: The person who receives the item (often the speaker).
  • [Giver] に: The person who gives the item.
  • [Noun] を: The item that is received.
  • もらう: The verb "to receive".

Formation Diagram

Receiver (は)	Giver (に)	Item Received (を)	Verb
私は	友達に	本を	もらう
I	from friend	a book	receive

• Example Sentence:

  私は友達に本をもらいました。
  Watashi wa tomodachi ni hon wo moraimashita.
  I received a book from a friend.
  

Visual Aid

graph LR
A[友達 (Friend)] -- に (from) --> B[私 (I)]
B -- を (receive) --> C[本 (Book)]

3. Comparative Analysis

Understanding how もらう differs from similar verbs is crucial.

もらう vs. くれる vs. あげる

Verb	Meaning	Perspective	Structure
もらう	To receive	Receiver-focused	[Receiver] は [Giver] に [Item] を もらう
くれる	To give	Giver-focused (to me/us)	[Giver] が [Receiver] に [Item] を くれる
あげる	To give	Giver-focused (to others)	[Giver] は [Receiver] に [Item] を あげる

• Example with くれる:

  友達が私に本をくれました。
  Tomodachi ga watashi ni hon wo kuremashita.
  My friend gave me a book.
  

• Example with あげる:

  私は友達に本をあげました。
  Watashi wa tomodachi ni hon wo agemashita.
  I gave a book to my friend.
  

4. Examples in Context

Let's look at various sentences using もらう in different contexts.

Formal Speech

1. 私は上司に推薦状をもらいました。
   • Watashi wa jōshi ni suisenjō wo moraimashita.
   • I received a letter of recommendation from my boss.
2. 彼は学校から奨学金をもらいました。
   • Kare wa gakkō kara shōgakukin wo moraimashita.
   • He received a scholarship from the school.

Informal Speech

1. 昨日、姉に古い携帯をもらった。
   • Kinō, ane ni furui keitai wo moratta.
   • I got an old cellphone from my sister yesterday.
2. 友達に映画のチケットをもらったよ。
   • Tomodachi ni eiga no chiketto wo moratta yo.
   • I got a movie ticket from a friend.

Written Context

1. 多くの人々が政府から支援をもらっています。
   • Ōku no hitobito ga seifu kara shien wo moratteimasu.
   • Many people are receiving support from the government.

Spoken Context

1. Aさん：誕生日に何をもらったの？
   • A-san: Tanjōbi ni nani wo moratta no?
   • A: What did you get for your birthday? Bさん：家族に新しい時計をもらった。
   • B-san: Kazoku ni atarashii tokei wo moratta.
   • B: I got a new watch from my family.
2. Cさん：先生にアドバイスをもらいました。
   • C-san: Sensei ni adobaisu wo moraimashita.
   • C: I received advice from my teacher.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Expressing Gratitude: In Japanese culture, receiving something often implies a need to express gratitude. Phrases like ありがとうございます (Arigatō gozaimasu) are commonly used.
• Gift-Giving Etiquette: Gift exchanges are important in Japan, such as during お中元 (Ochūgen) and お歳暮 (Oseibo) seasons.

Levels of Politeness

• Using ます形 (masu-form) like もらいました indicates politeness.
• Plain form もらった is used among friends or in casual situations.

Idiomatic Expressions

• お世話になっている人からお礼をもらう
  • Osewa ni natteiru hito kara orei wo morau
  • To receive thanks from someone you are indebted to.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using が (ga) instead of に (ni) for the giver.
  • Incorrect: 私は友達がプレゼントをもらいました。
  • Correct: 私は友達にプレゼントをもらいました。
• Mixing up verbs: Confusing もらう with くれる or あげる.
  • Tip: Remember that もらう is from the receiver's perspective.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of もらう as "More to me", focusing on receiving.
• Practice Sentences: Create your own sentences replacing the noun and the giver to get comfortable with the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• もらう (morau) means "to receive" and focuses on the receiver.
• The typical structure is [Receiver] は [Giver] に [Noun] を もらう.
• Use に to indicate the giver and を to indicate the item received.
• Be mindful of the level of politeness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blanks: 私は友達___手紙___もらいました。
   • Answer: 私は友達に手紙をもらいました。
2. Translate to English: 彼女は先生にアドバイスをもらいました。
   • Answer: She received advice from her teacher.
3. True or False: In the sentence "田中さんは山田さんにプレゼントをもらいました", 山田さん is the giver.
   • Answer: True

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By understanding and practicing Noun を もらう, you'll be better equipped to express receiving items or favors in Japanese, enhancing your communication skills in various social contexts.

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