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Japanese Grammar Point: Verb て もらう (Verb-te morau)

Grammar Point: Verb て もらう (Verb-te morau)

1. Introduction

The Japanese expression "Verb て もらう" (verb-te morau) is used to indicate that someone does a favor for the speaker. It is a way to express gratitude for receiving assistance or a service. This structure combines the te-form of a verb with the verb "もらう" (morau), which means "to receive."

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: To receive a favor from someone or to have someone do something for you.
• Structure: Verb (te-form) + もらう (morau)

Formation Diagram

 [Verb (te-form)] + もらう (morau)
          ↓
      (to receive a favor)

Breakdown:

1. Verb (te-form): Convert the main verb into its te-form. This is essential as it links the verb with "もらう."
   • Example: 食べる (taberu) becomes 食べて (tabete).
2. もらう (morau): The verb that means "to receive," and in this context, it indicates receiving a favor or service.

Example in Context

• 食べて もらう (tabete morau): "to have someone eat (for me)" → "to receive the favor of someone eating."

3. Comparative Analysis

The expression "Verb て もらう" can be compared with "Verb て くれる" (verb-te kureru):

• Verb て くれる: Indicates that someone does something for the benefit of the speaker, focusing more on the giver's action.
  • Example: 先生が教えてくれる (Sensei ga oshiete kureru) – "The teacher teaches (for me)."
• Verb て もらう: Emphasizes the speaker as the receiver of the action, placing importance on the favor received.
  • Example: 先生に教えてもらう (Sensei ni oshiete morau) – "I receive teaching from the teacher."

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 先生に質問をしてもらいました。
     • (Sensei ni shitsumon o shite moraimashita.)
     • "I had my teacher ask (a question) for me."
2. Informal:
   • 友達に手伝ってもらった。
     • (Tomodachi ni tetsudatte moratta.)
     • "I had my friend help me."
3. Written:
   • 私は彼にプレゼントを買ってもらいました。
     • (Watashi wa kare ni purezento o katte moraimashita.)
     • "I received (the favor of) him buying a present for me."
4. Spoken:
   • 兄に車を運転してもらうよ。
     • (Ani ni kuruma o unten shite morau yo.)
     • "I’m going to have my older brother drive (me)."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, politeness and expressing gratitude are essential. Using "Verb て もらう" reflects humility by acknowledging others' help. This structure is often used in everyday conversation, especially when talking about receiving favors from peers, elders, or superiors.

Levels of Politeness

• The choice between using もらう (morau) and its more formal counterpart 頂く (itadaku) depends on the context and the relationship between the parties involved. For higher levels of formality, especially in business settings, "いただく" is preferred.

Idiomatic Expressions

• お願いします (Onegaishimasu): "Please do (this for me)." Often used with the verb form, expressing a polite request.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Students might confuse when to use "もらう" vs. "くれる." Remember:
  • "もらう" is for the receiver's perspective.
  • "くれる" is for the giver's perspective.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "もらう" as "to receive," thus focusing on the perspective of being grateful for the help.
• Create sentences about daily activities where someone helps you to practice using て もらう.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• "Verb て もらう" expresses receiving a favor from someone.
• It combines the te-form of a verb with "もらう" and emphasizes the receiver's gratitude.
• Similar but distinct from "verb て くれる," which focuses on the giver’s action.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does "Verb て もらう" mean?
2. How do you form the structure?
3. Give an example sentence using "Verb て もらう."
4. What is the difference between "もらう" and "くれる"? This format should help reinforce the understanding of this grammar point while providing context and cultural relevance.