JLPT N4 grammar

〜もらうmeaning and usage

Meaning

A receives C from B. もらう marks the recipient’s perspective; use いただく when the speaker wishes to show humility toward the giver.

How to form it

  • personに/からnounをもらう

How it is used

Receiving, told from the receiver's side; the giver takes 「に」 or 「から」 (only 「から」 for a school or company). From someone of higher status, use the humble 「いただく」. With the giver as subject, use 「くれる」.

Examples

  1. ばあちゃんの形見に、入れ歯をもらった。

    I got some false teeth that were left by my grandmother as a memento.

  2. 誕生日に、友だちから花をもらいました。

    I got flowers from a friend on my birthday.

  3. 弟は、祖父から古いカメラをもらった。

    My little brother got an old camera from our grandfather.

About the example 1. A receives C from B: the giver is of the same/lower rank of the recipient.