もらう

Alternative writings: 貰う
JLPT:N4
Frequency:
1

To receive or take something from someone—to be given something.

U-VerbTransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

友達に本をもらった。

I received a book from a friend.

誕生日に新しい時計をもらった。

I got a new watch for my birthday.

この資料は無料でもらえますか?

Can I get this material for free?

2

Auxiliary meaning 'to have someone do something for you'—used after a verb in the -te form (e.g., してもらう).

OtherU-VerbUsually Kana

Examples

先生に作文を直してもらった。

I had the teacher correct my essay.

友達に駅まで送ってもらった。

A friend gave me a ride to the station.

母にご飯を作ってもらった。

My mother made a meal for me.

3

To receive (a blow, criticism, etc.)—colloquially used to say one 'takes' a hit or suffers something.

U-VerbTransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

試合でパンチを何発ももらった。

He took several punches in the match.

会議で厳しい指摘をもらって落ち込んだ。

I got some harsh criticism at the meeting and felt down.

4

To catch or contract an illness—colloquially used to mean getting a disease from someone.

U-VerbTransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

電車で風邪をもらってしまった。

I caught a cold on the train.

子どもが友達から水疱瘡をもらった。

The child caught chickenpox from a friend.

Word Relationships

Synonyms
Antonym
Masu-Formもらいます
Nai-Formもらわない
Ta-Formもらった
Te-Formもらって
Ba-Formもらえば
Volitional Formもらおう
Imperative Formもらえ
Potential Formもらえる
Passive Formもらわれる
Causative Formもらわせる
Causative Passive Formもらわせられる